Washington, DC Rents Are Going Up

Rents in the Washington–Arlington–Alexandria metro rose 0.5% year-over-year in November 2025 but are gradually cooling after a post-pandemic surge. Affordability remains a challenge, with minimum-wage earners needing to work over 50 hours weekly to afford median rents. National rents fell 1% year-over-year, marking 28 months of decline, yet remain 17.2% above pre-pandemic levels. Renting is still cheaper than buying in the area, though the gap is narrowing.