Washington, D.C.

The nation's capital is a surprisingly economical holiday destination, thanks to its enormous number of free museums and national monuments. Unfortunately, living in Washington, D.C. is a quite different scenario. The federal government, lobbying companies, national parks, and other government offices occupy a large portion of Washington's 68 square miles.

Washington D.C.'s dynamic employment hub is home to dozens of big-name private sector organizations and government institutions, therefore it's no wonder that the District of Columbia has an average family income of $139,500 in 2021. (DC Health Matters). The Smithsonian Institution, the Washington Monument, the Capitol Building, and other attractions draw a large number of foreign and domestic visitors. A strong employment market, appealing tourist destinations, and numerous food and entertainment alternatives place Washington D.C.'s home worth among the top ten, all while home prices have climbed by around 6% in the previous year.

Rent and mortgages are 2.7 times the national average. Although the typical family income is still relatively high at $85,203, to live comfortably, you'd need to earn almost $143,000 per year.

Cost of Living: 60.7% higher than U.S. average