Most affordable places to live in Washington DC have median home prices starting at $295,000, which is 32.23% lower than the national median. This comes with opportunities spanning from historic East-of-River communities to central urban condos.
Whether you dream of kayaking the Anacostia River or catching free concerts at Fort Dupont Park, DC’s most affordable neighborhoods make urban living accessible. This guide reveals where your dollar stretches furthest in America’s capital city.
Key Takeaways
- Congress Heights offers the lowest rents in Washington DC at $1,060 monthly for one-bedroom apartments.
- Seven neighborhoods feature median home prices below $475,000, with Barry Farms and Foggy Bottom starting at $295,000 for condos and new mixed-income housing.
- Kingman Park achieves a perfect walk score of 99 and bike score of 96 while maintaining rents 44.8% below city averages.
- Metropolitan Police Department data shows violent crime decreased 28% year-over-year through October 2025.
- East-of-River neighborhoods provide Metro access via Green Line, Orange Line, Silver Line, and Blue Line stations with 9-16 minute commutes to downtown employment centers.
Comparing Most Affordable Places To Live in Washington DC
| City | Median Home Prices | Median Rent | Cost of Living vs US | Best For |
| Congress Heights | $350,000 | $1,060 (1BR) | 60% below | Families, first-time buyers, military |
| Deanwood | $420,000 | $1,249 (1BR) | 52.9% below | Homebuyers, retirees |
| Fort Dupont | $360,000 | $1,325 (1BR) | 50% below | Nature lovers, families |
| Kingman Park | $475,000 | $1,464 (1BR) | 44.8% below | Young professionals, cyclists |
| Anacostia | $430,000 | $1,500 (1BR) | 43.4% below | History buffs, artists |
| Barry Farms | $295,000-$370,000 | $1,149 (1BR) | Among DC’s lowest | Seniors, new construction |
| Foggy Bottom | $295,000 (condos) | $1,751 (1BR) | 5.2% below | Students, diplomats, culture lovers |
7 Most Affordable Places to Live in Washington DC
1. Congress Heights
Median Home Price: $350,000
Median Rent: $1,060 (1BR), $1,242 (2BR)
Cost of Living: 60% below DC average
Best For: Budget-conscious families, first-time homebuyers, remote workers, military families at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, renters maximizing savings
Tree-lined streets give Congress Heights a suburban feel. Moreover, the Congress Heights Metro station connects residents downtown in just 12 minutes. The neighborhood sits east of the Anacostia River, as a result, there are no tourist crowds.
Families choose this area for its affordability. In fact, it’s the District’s most affordable neighborhood. Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy Public Charter School serves the community. Additionally, MLK Jr. Elementary provides local education options. The median household income is $41,092. This reflects working-class families building equity through homeownership.
However, crime rates remain higher than citywide averages. Despite this, ongoing improvements continue to make the area safer. Consequently, more families are investing in this growing neighborhood.
👉Find affordable city living in Congress Heights with easy access to downtown. So start your Congress Heights homes for sale search today!
2. Deanwood
Median Home Price: $420,000
Median Rent: $1,249 (1BR), $1,613 (2BR)
Cost of Living: 52.9% below DC average
Best For: First-time homebuyers, families wanting yards, remote workers, retirees on fixed incomes, residents prioritizing affordability
Deanwood is a historic Northeast DC neighborhood. Generational families have preserved African American homeownership legacies for decades. The Deanwood Heritage Trail celebrates local culture and history.
The Deanwood Metro station connects to downtown in just 16 minutes. Additionally, the Orange and Silver Lines serve the area. Furthermore, multiple bus routes provide easy access.
Local schools serve neighborhood children well. For instance, Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy operates in the area. Moreover, Washington Latin Public Charter offers education options.
Community features add to Deanwood’s appeal. Residents enjoy community gardens throughout the area. Also, weekend farmers markets bring neighbors together. Overall, Deanwood offers budget-friendly living in Washington DC. Consequently, it attracts families and retirees.
👉Looking for a close-knit community and affordable homes? Explore Deanwood homes for sale today!
3. Fort Dupont
Median Home Price: $360,000
Median Rent: $1,325 (1BR), $1,800 (2BR)
Cost of Living: 50% below DC average
Best For: Families with children, nature enthusiasts, residents wanting yards, retirees seeking quiet living, budget-conscious professionals
Fort Dupont Park offers 376 acres of green space. This makes the neighborhood a nature lover’s sanctuary within city limits. Moreover, the Fort Dupont Summer Concert Series celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024. Additionally, Fort Dupont Ice Arena provides year-round skating.
Spacious properties attract families and homeowners. Consequently, residents enjoy suburban character unavailable in Northwest DC. However, the walkability score is 51. Therefore, car ownership is beneficial for residents.
Civil War-era fortifications dot the park. These remnants offer historical intrigue for visitors. Also, hiking trails wind through the area. As a result, outdoor recreation options are plentiful throughout the year.
Overall, Fort Dupont delivers affordable living in Washington DC. The combination of nature access and suburban feel makes it attractive. Consequently, residents value both space and affordability in this unique area.
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4. Kingman Park
Median Home Price: $475,000
Median Rent: $1,464 (1BR), $2,000 (2BR)
Cost of Living: 44.8% below DC average
Best For: Young professionals, Capitol Hill employees, cyclists, transit users, residents wanting nightlife access, outdoor enthusiasts
Kingman Park features historic rowhouses dating to the 1890s. Kingman and Heritage Islands Park offer waterfront access along the trails. H Street NE’s restaurants serve Ethiopian cuisine alongside craft cocktails. The neighborhood earns high scores for walkability and biking. As a result, it’s designated a “Biker’s Paradise.”
Capitol Hill staffers and young professionals live here. In fact, over 40% hold bachelor’s degrees. This is higher educational attainment than other affordable DC neighborhoods.
However, rapid gentrification drives prices upward, though values remain exceptional given downtown proximity and the Washington Post’s 2024 “Best Kept Secrets” recognition.
👉Kingman Park offers affordability and urban convenience. So start browsing available Kingman Park homes for sale now!
5. Anacostia
Median Home Price: $430,000
Median Rent: $1,500 (1BR), $1,825 (2BR)
Cost of Living: 43.4% below DC average
Best For: History enthusiasts, artists and creatives, transit-dependent residents, families seeking space, first-time buyers, military personnel
Frederick Douglass spent his final years in Anacostia’s Cedar Hill mansion. Today its a National Historic Site celebrating the neighborhood’s rich African American heritage. The 19½-foot Big Chair roadside attraction built in 1959 anchors neighborhood identity as DC’s quirkiest landmark.
Moreover, the Anacostia Arts Center received a $2.1 million renovation grant in 2024. Furthermore, Anacostia Playhouse theater adds cultural value to the area. Also, the Frederick Douglass Bridge replacement was completed in 2024. As a result, connectivity improved for residents seeking affordable Washington DC living.
However, some blocks still lack full-service groceries. Despite this, the neighborhood offers strong transit access. Overall, Anacostia blends rich history with modern improvements for budget-conscious families.
👉Discover historic charm and affordable housing options in Anacostia. Explore Anacostia homes for sale!
6. Barry Farms
Median Home Price: $295,000-$370,000
Median Rent: $1,149 (1BR)
Cost of Living: Among DC’s most affordable
Best For: Seniors, residents seeking new construction, families wanting mixed-income community, buyers interested in historic preservation
Barry Farm was named after a Freedmen’s Bureau official. In 1867, he helped formerly enslaved people purchase land. The Asberry delivered 108 affordable senior units in Q3 2024. Additionally, it includes 5,000 square feet of retail space. This marks the first completed building in Barry Farm’s New Communities Initiative transformation.
Moreover, the project received $43 million in DC government investment. The Edmonson is scheduled for 2026 completion, further adding 139 units and 20,000 SF retail. Five historic residential buildings designated as landmarks in 2020. Consequently, integrate into modern development. This honors the site’s 150-year African American homeownership legacy.
Phase II development will create over 900 residential units total. Also, eco-friendly landscaping is part of the plan. Current residents maintain return rights despite construction disruption. Overall, Barry Farm offers some of the cheapest places to live in Washington DC.
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7. Foggy Bottom
Median Home Price: $295,000 (condos/co-ops), $364,920 overall
Median Rent: $1,751 (1BR)
Cost of Living: 5.2% below DC average
Best For: College students, young professionals, singles, empty nesters, first-time condo buyers, diplomats, culture enthusiasts
Foggy Bottom gets its name from fog settling over the Potomac River. The neighborhood sits steps from the White House in DC’s geographic heart. George Washington University’s campus dominates the landscape. Consequently creating an international atmosphere.
John F. Kennedy Center sits within walking distance. Nightly, it presents world-class concerts, ballets, plays, and musicals nightly. Named among DC’s “Best Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods” in 2025, it ranks safer than 59% of District neighborhoods.
The median home price is $364,920. Meanwhile, median monthly rent averages $1,751. This reflects professional residents purchasing smaller condos and co-ops. Therefore, making Foggy Bottom Washington DC alternative for urban dwellers.
👉Live affordably near the city’s iconic landmarks in Foggy Bottom. So begin your Foggy Bottom homes for sale search today!
How We Ranked Washington DC’s Most Affordable Cities in 2025?
Our comprehensive analysis uses weighted criteria such as,
- Housing Costs (40%)
- Overall Cost of Living (20%)
- Transit access and Walkability (15%)
- Community Safety (10%)
- Employment and Economic Opportunity (10%)
- Education Quality (5%)
Data sources include Apartment List 2025 rental data, DC UrbanTurf housing market analysis, RentCafe cost of living indices, Metropolitan Police Department crime statistics, U.S. Census Bureau 2024 population estimates, DC Office of Planning demographic data, Niche school ratings, BLS employment data, and WMATA transit information. Barry Farm redevelopment data comes from Washington DC Economic Partnership’s 2024 neighborhood profile.
What Drives Affordability in Washington DC?
The District population reached 702,250 residents in July 2024. Housing demand concentrates in Northwest quadrant neighborhoods. Consequently, rents exceed $3,000 monthly in these areas. Meanwhile, East-of-River communities in Wards 7 and 8 maintain lower costs.
Transit access significantly impacts affordability calculations. For instance, neighborhoods like Kingman Park and Anacostia offer premium Metro connectivity. Additionally, these areas provide discounts exceeding 40% compared to citywide averages.
Furthermore, crime reductions improve quality of life. Specifically, violent crime dropped 28% through October 2025. Also, property crime fell 9% during the same period.
Some neighborhoods create affordability through smaller unit sizes. For example, Foggy Bottom concentrates condos and co-ops throughout the area. Moreover, development initiatives inject modern housing stock into affordable areas. Barry Farm’s New Communities redevelopment is a prime example.
Overall, DC offers diverse affordable housing options. Despite high costs in popular areas, budget-friendly neighborhoods exist.
Smart Tips for Washington DC Living
- Explore neighborhoods during weekday commute hours to test Metro access and traffic patterns.
- Consider Orange Line and Silver Line stations in Deanwood for direct connections to Virginia employment hubs
- Investigate DC’s First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit and down payment assistance programs
- Compare utility costs between older rowhouses and new construction
- Research school catchment boundaries through DC’s My School DC portal
Should You Move to Washington DC?
Most affordable places to live in Washington DC offer diverse options for every lifestyle. These span from East-of-River historic communities to central condo districts. Rents start at $1,060 monthly in Congress Heights. Additionally, home prices begin at $295,000 in Foggy Bottom. Therefore, budget-conscious living remains accessible in America’s capital.
Each neighborhood provides unique benefits for residents. For instance, Kingman Park offers perfect transit scores. Meanwhile, Foggy Bottom provides Kennedy Center access. Furthermore, Fort Dupont features a 376-acre park for families. Consequently, DC delivers options for various priorities and preferences.
Overall, affordable housing exists throughout the District. Despite rising costs, most affordable places to live in Washington DC continue to thrive. Moreover, improved transit and amenities enhance their appeal. As a result, renters and buyers can find homes that fit their needs and budgets in Washington DC.
👉From historic neighborhoods to growing urban districts, Washington, D.C. offers affordable living opportunities. So begin exploring Washington DC homes for sale now with Houzeo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable place to live in Washington DC?
DC's most affordable neighborhood is Congress Heights with median one-bedroom rents at $1,060, representing 60% savings compared to the citywide average.
What are the top 7 most affordable cities in Washington DC?
The top 7 most affordable neighborhoods are Congress Heights ($1,060 rent), Deanwood ($1,249), Fort Dupont ($1,325), Kingman Park ($1,464), Anacostia ($1,500), Barry Farms ($1,149), Foggy Bottom ($1,751 for condos)
Which Washington DC cities are best for families on a budget?
For families on a budget, Fort Dupont, Congress Heights, and Deanwood offer exceptional value with yards, parks, and schools.
Are there affordable beach towns in Washington DC?
Washington DC has no beach towns as a landlocked District, though neighborhoods like Anacostia and Kingman Park offer waterfront access.
