Considering a move to Washington, DC, but concerned about the cost of living in DC? You’re not the only one.

Washington, D.C. is known for its political scene, its wealth of museums, and, of course, its exorbitant housing prices. However, if you broaden your search beyond the most sought-after ZIP codes, you’ll find areas where the average person can still find a home. This is particularly true if you’re open to different locations and architectural styles.

This guide will explore some of the most affordable neighborhoods in Washington, DC. We’ll explain our selection process and how AT Movers can assist you in moving without breaking the bank.

Is Washington, DC Affordable? Quick Cost & Rent Snapshot

Short answer: Washington, D.C. is, without a doubt, more expensive than most places in the country.

RentCafe’s 2025 data suggest that the typical flat in Washington, DC, commands a rent of roughly $2,529. For one-bedroom units, the average price hovers around $2,398. To put things in perspective, the typical rent for an apartment across the United States hovers around $1,750, according to RentCafe’s national data.

Cost-of-living analyses, such as the one provided by Apartment List, often place Washington, D.C. significantly above the national average when housing, transportation, and food expenses are considered.

When we use the term “affordable” in this piece, we’re not simply saying “less expensive than everything else.” We’re talking about:

Neighborhoods where rents are significantly lower than the DC average, or where you get a lot for your money – think space, security, perks, and a reasonable commute.

How We Picked DC’s Most Affordable Neighborhoods

Many online lists tout neighbourhoods as “cheap” or offering the “best value.” To create something genuinely helpful, we consulted a variety of reputable rental and relocation resources:Ж

From there we focused on:

  • Rent prices are lower than the city average, particularly for studio and one-bedroom apartments.
  • Convenient public transport options, like the Metro and buses, along with manageable commute durations.
  • Essential amenities include access to groceries, parks, and necessary services.
  • Locations frequently touted as safer or more suitable for families than the cheapest alternatives..
Prices fluctuate frequently, so consider this a baseline. Always verify the latest listings before committing to a lease.

Cheapest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC by Rent

These are the neighbourhoods that consistently appear in “cheapest neighbourhoods” rankings and rental price analyses. The majority are located in Southeast (SE) or Northeast (NE) Washington, D.C., with a particular concentration east of the Anacostia River. Several of these are marked in the apartment data provided by Apartment List and ApartmentGuide.

Anacostia – Historic, Truly Budget-Friendly

If you’re hunting for affordable rents in Washington, D.C., Anacostia is worth considering.

Both ApartmentGuide and Apartment List flag Anacostia as one of the most affordable neighborhoods in the city, with average one-bedroom rents well below DC’s overall average.

Anacostia as a budget-friendly option within the city. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment there is significantly lower than the overall average for Washington, D.C.

The area boasts a rich history, steeped in cultural significance, and is conveniently located near the Anacostia River and several local museums. Google Maps is a handy way to get a sense of the area’s layout, including its parks and notable landmarks.

Advantages:

  • The city boasts some of the most affordable rents currently on the market.
  • Parks and riverfront trails are readily accessible.
  • Numerous bus routes and roadways converge on central Washington, D.C.

Compromises:

  • Anacostia, like much of the area east of the river, has historically seen crime rates that exceed the city’s overall average. Staying informed about the latest DC Crime Cards and MPD crime statistics is a good idea, as is chatting with people who live in the area.
  • The area has fewer expansive, newly constructed apartment complexes compared to other neighbourhoods.

Congress Heights – Green Line Access on a Budget

Congress Heights frequently appears on lists highlighting the most affordable neighbourhoods in Washington, D.C.

Apartment List places it high on the list of DC’s most budget-friendly areas, where the average rent for a one-bedroom is significantly less than the city’s overall average.

Plus, you’re just a hop away from the Green Line Metro. This makes getting to downtown or the Navy Yard a breeze, especially considering the price.

Pros:

  • Green Line access, along with bus service.
  • Near the Entertainment & Sports Arena and the new development.
  • Rent is more affordable here than in many other areas served by the Metro.

Trade-offs:

  • Safety and how people feel about it can change dramatically from one block to the next. It’s always a good idea to look at crime maps and other local resources.

Fort Dupont – Quiet Streets, Low Rents

Fort Dupont, nestled in Southeast Washington, D.C., adjacent to the sprawling Fort Dupont Park, often appears on others lists of the city’s most affordable neighbourhoods.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

  • Garden-style apartments and smaller complexes.
  • Abundant foliage and convenient access to the great outdoors.
  • A more subdued, neighbourhood vibe than what you’d find in downtown DC.

Bellevue & Fairlawn – Some of DC’s Lowest Rents

Bellevue and Fairlawn frequently appear in rent analyses from RentCafe and Rent.com, consistently ranking among the neighbourhoods with the most affordable average one-bedroom rents in Washington, DC.

Pros:

  • Rents are significantly lower than the city’s average, as advertised.
  • A blend of apartments and modest homes.

Things to consider:

  • Your daily commute could lean more towards buses than the Metro, depending on your specific location.
  • Amenities might be located further apart, which means a car or some thoughtful route planning could be beneficial.

Deanwood, Kingman Park, Skyland & Mayfair – NE/SE Value Pockets

Several neighbourhoods in the Northeast and Southeast are identified in the data as “value picks,” showing lower-than-average rent prices:

  • Apartment List identifies Deanwood and Kingman Park as among the most budget-friendly areas in Washington, D.C.
  • Skyland and Mayfair show up in RentCafe’s neighborhood rent tables, and their one-bedroom averages are significantly lower than the city’s overall average.

If you’re okay with being a bit outside the most central areas, these neighborhoods can give you solid savings without completely sacrificing access to the rest of the city. If you’re willing to venture a little beyond the immediate core, these areas offer substantial savings while still keeping you connected to the city’s pulse.

Safe(-er) & Still Affordable Neighborhoods in DC

Some people prioritise other factors over the cheapest possible rent. A lot of families and professionals are looking for a place that feels secure and settled, yet doesn’t carry the price tag of areas like Dupont Circle or Capitol Hill.

Takoma – Leafy & Family-Friendly Near the Maryland Line

Takoma, nestled in Northwest DC near Takoma Park, Maryland, has a distinctly small-town vibe.

Takoma Red Line Metro station

The Takoma Red Line Metro station provides access, and the area is characterised by its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a strong sense of community. Suburban Solutions touts it as a budget-conscious, family-oriented area of Washington, D.C.

Rents here are usually higher than in places like Anacostia, but they can still be more manageable than many other Northwest neighborhoods, especially if you’re open to older buildings or smaller units.

Hillcrest – Suburban Feel in Southeast DC

Hillcrest sits in SE DC and often gets described as having a suburban, single-family-home feel.

RentCafe includes Hillcrest among DC’s best affordable neighborhoods for renters, noting that typical rents are lower than in many parts of Northwest.

If you want yard space, a car, and quiet streets — but still want to be within DC city limits — Hillcrest is worth a closer look.

Glover Park & Cathedral Heights – “Quieter than Georgetown” Value

Just north of Georgetown, you’ll find Glover Park and Cathedral Heights.

In RentCafe’s affordable neighborhoods guide, Glover Park is highlighted as a spot where average rents are below $2,000 — a meaningful discount for Northwest DC. Nearby areas like Foxhall Village and Burleith get similar praise.

Cathedral Heights, around the Washington National Cathedral, offers mid-rise apartments and older buildings on relatively calm, residential streets.

These neighborhoods are a good fit if you want:

  • A quieter NW location that still feels safe and established.
  • Decent access to buses and walkable commercial strips.
  • Prices noticeably lower than Georgetown, Dupont Circle or Logan Circle.

Brookland – College Town Vibe Without Northwest Prices

Brookland, in NE DC, is anchored by the Catholic University of America and several religious institutions.

In Extra Space Storage’s DC neighborhood guide, Brookland is described as a safe, relatively affordable area that appeals to students, staff and families alike.

You’ll find detached houses, rowhouses and low-rise apartments, plus access to the Brookland–CUA and Rhode Island Ave–Brentwood Red Line stations.

Affordable DC Neighborhoods for Students & Young Professionals

If you’re moving to DC for school or your first job, you’re probably trying to balance rent, nightlife and commute. These neighborhoods tend to come up again and again for that crowd.

Foggy Bottom – Lower-Cost Option Right by Downtown (for Students)

Foggy Bottom is home to George Washington University and sits right next to downtown and the State Department.

In Suburban Solutions’ neighborhood guide, Foggy Bottom is called the most affordable DC neighborhood for students looking for off-campus housing, given its central location.

It’s still DC, so “affordable” here is relative — but if you share a place or choose a smaller unit, it can be a cheaper way to live in the middle of everything without paying full luxury-building prices.

Adams Morgan & Columbia Heights – Social, Walkable, Still Decent Value

If you want bars, restaurants and busy sidewalks, Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights are classic choices.

Extra Space Storage and Suburban Solutions both mention Adams Morgan as a safe, relatively affordable neighborhood with lots of nightlife and dining options.

Columbia Heights, which also appears in moving-company lists, is a diverse, energetic area where rents are typically lower than in central downtown or the West End while still offering Metro access, big-box stores and lots of local businesses.

Both neighborhoods are great if you want to:

  • Live with roommates and split rent.
  • Walk to groceries, restaurants and nightlife.
  • Rely on Metro and buses instead of a car.

Eckington, H Street / Near Northeast & Kingman Park – Up-and-Coming Spots

If you’re willing to be just off the “main” hotspots, you can often find better deals in up-and-coming areas.

  • Eckington sits next to NoMa and features older rowhouses plus new apartments. Suburban Solutions highlights it as more affordable than downtown but still very central.
  • The H Street Corridor / Near Northeast has become a major nightlife and food strip. Apartments.com notes that some of these central neighborhoods can be relatively affordable compared with nearby Capitol Hill, even if they’re not the cheapest citywide.
  • Kingman Park, just east of that area, appears in Apartment List’s affordable neighborhoods ranking, offering proximity to H Street with lower average rents.

These spots are great if you want to be near trendy restaurants and new development and are okay with rents that are rising but still usually cheaper than the most established areas.

How to Choose the Right Affordable Neighborhood in DC

With so many options, how do you narrow it down? Here’s a simple checklist to help you decide where to live.

  1. Commute & Transit
    Which Metro lines or bus routes do you need? Do you mind a 40-minute commute if it saves you a few hundred dollars a month?
  2. Budget vs. Lifestyle
    Decide your maximum housing budget first. Then compare “super cheap,” “safe & moderate” and “great location but smaller space” neighborhoods.
  3. Safety Research
    Don’t rely only on reputation. Check official tools like DC Crime Cards and MPD’s crime data, and ask friends, coworkers or local online groups for block-by-block insight.
  4. Schools (if you have kids)
    Look at school ratings, charter options and waitlists; they can vary a lot even within the same part of the city.
  5. Everyday Amenities
    Think about grocery stores, pharmacies, parks and gyms. Is it walkable, or will you rely on a car?
  6. Test the Neighborhood
    If you can, visit at different times of day, grab a coffee, walk around and see how the area feels in real life.

Moving to an Affordable DC Neighborhood? How AT Movers Can Help

When you’re trying to save money on rent, the last thing you want is a chaotic, expensive move.

That’s where AT Movers makes life easier.

  • We handle local DC moves every day, including many of the neighborhoods in this guide, so we know:
    • Which buildings have strict elevator or loading-dock rules.
    • Where parking is tricky and permits are required.
    • Which streets are best for truck access.
  • We can help you plan the move around your budget — from full-service packing to a more DIY approach where we just handle the heavy lifting.
  • Our crews are used to tight stairwells, rowhouse layouts and older building quirks, so you don’t have to stress over logistics.

If you’re moving to Anacostia, Takoma, Glover Park, Brookland or anywhere else in the DC area, AT Movers can put together a clear, upfront quote so you know exactly what your relocation will cost.

Thinking about a move? Reach out to AT Movers for a free estimate and a simple game plan for getting your stuff from Point A to your new DC neighborhood — without surprises.

FAQ: Affordable Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

What is the cheapest neighborhood in Washington, DC right now?

According to data from Apartment List and ApartmentGuide, neighborhoods like Anacostia, Congress Heights, Fort Dupont, Bellevue, Fairlawn, Deanwood, Kingman Park, Skyland and Mayfair regularly show up with some of the lowest average rents in DC.

Always confirm with current listings on sites like Apartments.com, RentCafe or Rent.com, because prices can shift quickly.

What’s a “good salary” to live in DC comfortably?

Many financial planners suggest keeping housing at around 30% of your gross income. With average one-bedroom rents for DC in the mid-$2,000s (RentCafe), a single person renting alone at the city average might want a household income in the $90,000+ range.

Choosing one of the more affordable neighborhoods in this guide or living with roommates can lower that income requirement by quite a bit.

Is it cheaper to live in DC or in the suburbs nearby?

In many cases, it’s cheaper to live in nearby Maryland or Virginia suburbs (for example, parts of Silver Spring, Hyattsville or Alexandria) than in DC itself, especially if you want more space. Several regional guides, like Atlas Lane’s “Good & Affordable Areas for Living in DC”, include suburban locations alongside city neighborhoods for exactly this reason.

However, you need to factor in:

  • Commuting costs and time (gas, fares, tolls).
  • Parking, car ownership and maintenance.
  • How much you value being near DC amenities and nightlife.

How far in advance should I book movers for a DC move?

For most local DC moves, booking 2–4 weeks in advance is ideal, and even earlier during busy summer months or end-of-month weekends. That gives you time to:

  • Reserve building elevators or loading docks.
  • Apply for any temporary parking permits you might need.
  • Sort out packing, donations and junk removal.

AT Movers can walk you through a realistic timeline and help you avoid last-minute headaches so your move into an affordable DC neighborhood goes as smoothly as possible.