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Living in Wash DC: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Wash DC | Expat Exchange
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Living in Wash DC

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By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 21, 2023

Summary: People describe life in Washington DC as vibrant, exciting, and full of opportunity. People love the city's rich history, diverse culture, and abundance of activities and attractions. The cost of living in Washington DC is higher than the national average, but it is still considered to be relatively affordable compared to other major cities. The approximate population of Washington DC is 693,972, and the largest cities are Washington, DC, Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax. The cons of living in Washington DC include the high cost of living, traffic congestion, and the lack of affordable housing. Additionally, the city can be quite crowded and noisy, and the weather can be unpredictable.

Is the cost of living in Wash DC high?

We asked people about the cost of living in Wash DC, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Washington DC is generally considered to be high. Rental prices for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Washington DC can range from around $1,500 to $2,500 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $2,000 to $3,500 per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Washington DC can cost around $20 to $30 per person," said one expat living in Wash DC.

What type of recreational facilities are in Wash DC?

When we asked people living in Wash DC about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"Residents of Washington DC enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, including parks, trails, and sports fields. The city is home to numerous parks, such as the National Mall, Rock Creek Park, and the Tidal Basin, which offer a variety of outdoor activities, such as walking, biking, and picnicking. There are also numerous trails, such as the Capital Crescent Trail and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, which provide scenic views and opportunities for exercise. Additionally, the city has a number of sports fields, such as the RFK Stadium and the Nationals Park, which offer a variety of sports activities. Other recreational facilities include swimming pools, golf courses, and tennis courts," commented one expat living in Wash DC.

What is the weather like in Wash DC?

"The weather in Washington DC is usually mild and pleasant. In the summer, temperatures can reach the high 80s and low 90s, with occasional thunderstorms. In the winter, temperatures can dip into the 30s and 40s, with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall are usually mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 70s," commented one expat living in Wash DC.

Are there good restaurants in Wash DC?

"One of the most popular restaurants in Washington DC is Zaytinya, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in the Penn Quarter neighborhood. Zaytinya offers a variety of small plates, mezze, and entrees, as well as a full bar and an extensive wine list. The restaurant has been praised for its creative and flavorful dishes, as well as its friendly and attentive service. Another popular restaurant in DC is Komi, a modern Greek restaurant located in Dupont Circle. Komi offers a prix fixe menu featuring a variety of small plates, entrees, and desserts. The restaurant has been praised for its fresh ingredients, creative dishes, and excellent service. Finally, Rasika West End is a popular Indian restaurant located in the West End neighborhood. Rasika offers a variety of traditional Indian dishes, as well as a full bar and an extensive wine list. The restaurant has been praised for its flavorful dishes, as well as its attentive and friendly service," remarked one expat living in Wash DC.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Wash DC?

"People living in Washington DC typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local supermarkets, convenience stores, farmers markets, and specialty stores. Additionally, many people in the area take advantage of online grocery delivery services, such as Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and Shipt," wrote one expat living in Wash DC.

What are the visa & residency requirements in Wash DC?

"In order to obtain a visa to live in Washington DC, applicants must first submit an application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This application must include proof of identity, proof of financial support, and a valid passport. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a visa that allows them to enter the United States. In order to apply for residency in Washington DC, applicants must first submit an application to the DC Department of Human Services. This application must include proof of identity, proof of financial support, and proof of legal status in the United States. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a residency card that allows them to live and work in the District of Columbia," said an expat in Wash DC.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Wash DC?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Washington DC can be expensive. The cost of health insurance premiums in the District of Columbia is higher than the national average, and the cost of healthcare services is also higher than the national average. Additionally, the cost of health insurance in the District of Columbia is affected by the high cost of living in the area. As a result, many people in the District of Columbia struggle to afford the cost of healthcare and health insurance," said one expat.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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