Average Rent in Washington, DC (2026)

Typical asking rent in Washington is $2,542. Across the 23 ZIP codes with data it runs from $1,573 to $3,725, so which side of town you buy on matters as much as the city average. Data as of June 2026.

Median rent
$2,542
Average rent
$2,491
Lowest ZIP
$1,573
Highest ZIP
$3,725

Rent by ZIP code in Washington

ZIP codeCountyTypical rentvs city median
20526District of Columbia$3,725+47%
20037District of Columbia$2,986+17%
20016District of Columbia$2,916+15%
20005District of Columbia$2,814+11%
20009District of Columbia$2,727+7%
20004District of Columbia$2,657+5%
20001District of Columbia$2,647+4%
20007District of Columbia$2,632+4%
20036District of Columbia$2,623+3%
20015District of Columbia$2,577+1%
20003District of Columbia$2,5540%
20010District of Columbia$2,5420%
20012District of Columbia$2,458-3%
20002District of Columbia$2,394-6%
20024District of Columbia$2,378-6%
20017District of Columbia$2,359-7%
20011District of Columbia$2,251-11%
20008District of Columbia$2,213-13%
20020District of Columbia$2,182-14%
20018District of Columbia$2,083-18%
20006District of Columbia$2,027-20%
20019District of Columbia$1,976-22%
20032District of Columbia$1,573-38%

How to use these numbers

These are Zillow Observed Rent Index values, a smoothed measure of typical asking rent for single family homes, condos, and apartments in each ZIP code. They describe what units are listed for, not what any specific unit will get. Condition, bedroom count, and the exact block all move the number.

If you are underwriting a purchase, use the ZIP figure rather than the city median, and then verify against live listings for the same bedroom count before you commit. Washington sits in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area.

Would a rental in Washington cash flow?

Start the analyzer with the Washington median rent of $2,542 and add a real purchase price to see cash flow, cap rate, and cash-on-cash return.

Analyze a Washington rentalBest District of Columbia markets