Home Affordability for District of Columbia (2026)
District of Columbia (DC) Key Facts
Median Home Price
$640,000
Median Household Income
$90,000
Affordability Index
281
Price to Income Ratio
7.1
Max Affordable Payment (28% Rule)
$2,100
How This Calculator Works in District of Columbia
This home affordability calculator estimates how much house you can afford in District of Columbia based on your income, debts, down payment, and current interest rates. It accounts for District of Columbia's property tax rate and insurance costs to give you a realistic maximum home price. Enter your financial details to see whether the median-priced home in District of Columbia is within your reach.
District of Columbia Overview
District of Columbia has a median home price of approximately $640,000 and a median household income of $90,000, yielding a price-to-income ratio of 7.1. State income taxes in District of Columbia reduce take-home pay, so factor your after-tax income when budgeting for a home. Property taxes average 0.56%, which meaningfully impacts monthly housing costs.
How District of Columbia Compares
District of Columbia's price-to-income ratio of 7.1 is above the national average of roughly 5.5. Nearby Maryland has a median price of $400,000 and median income of $87,000, yielding a ratio of 4.6. Differences in property taxes and insurance costs between states further shift the true cost of homeownership.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $400,000 | Median home price is $400,000 with a median household income of approximately $87,000. The price-to-income ratio is 4.6. |
| Virginia | $380,000 | Median home price is $380,000 with a median household income of approximately $80,000. The price-to-income ratio is 4.8. |
| Pennsylvania | $275,000 | Median home price is $275,000 with a median household income of approximately $67,000. The price-to-income ratio is 4.1. |
With a median home price of $640,000 and a median household income of $90,000, District of Columbia has a price-to-income ratio of 7.1. The national average price-to-income ratio is approximately 5.5. District of Columbia is less affordable than the national average.
Tips for District of Columbia Residents
- 1The median household income in District of Columbia is $90,000. Under the 28% rule, this supports a maximum monthly housing payment of about $2,100, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
- 2District of Columbia's price-to-income ratio of 7.1 means the typical home costs 7.1 times the annual median income. This is stretched by national standards, so saving aggressively and exploring assistance programs is critical.
- 3State income taxes in District of Columbia reduce take-home pay, so factor your after-tax income when budgeting for a home.
- 4Property taxes in District of Columbia average 0.56%, which adds $299 per month to your housing cost on the median home. Don't overlook this when calculating affordability.
- 5Look into District of Columbia's first-time homebuyer assistance programs, which may include down payment grants, low-interest second mortgages, or mortgage credit certificates (MCCs) that provide a federal tax credit on mortgage interest.