Washington, DC is our nation’s beautiful and unique capital that offers amazing experiences to those who live there. Unfortunately, like most big cities, it can also be quite expensive to reside there. Luckily, there are some helpful tips for making DC more affordable. In this article, we’ll focus on some of the ways you can live in DC on a budget.

Living in DC on a Budget

Living in a large metropolitan area like DC can be expensive, but you can still do it on a budget. First, you’ll have to find affordable housing. Then, factor in your other monthly expenses to make sure your budget can cover them. Here are some tips to make living in DC more affordable:

• Transportation – If you’re looking to save money while living in DC, consider going car-less if you can. This will help you avoid having to pay for permits, parking fees, car insurance, and gas. There are also plenty of cheaper options to get around, like the Metro, the DC Circulator bus system, using bikes or scooters, or even simply walking since some of your destinations likely won’t be too far away.

• Entertainment – Another thing that helps to live in DC on a budget is taking advantage of free entertainment and experiences. Many of the museums and monuments in DC are free of charge. You can also visit the National Zoo at no cost. Other free entertainment options include checking out books from the public library, watching live streams of nightly shows at the Kennedy Center, and more.

• Food – One of the main areas that will help make DC more affordable is limiting the amount you eat out. Buying your own groceries and eating at home is drastically cheaper than eating out every day. You can also find some living arrangements that offer meals, too! When you do go out, be sure to take advantage of happy hours and other deals that will save you money.

• Housing – Perhaps your biggest question will be “where to live in DC on a budget?” One of the most popular options for affordable housing is co-living. This type of arrangement involves sharing communal spaces like kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms with other residents. It’s also cheaper than most other housing options, requires less maintenance, and provides a sense of community.

Luckily for you, there’s an option that can help you live in DC on a budget! At Thompson-Markward Hall (TMH), we’re a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote the academic and professional success of young women. TMH is in the heart of DC and offers safe, affordable, and convenient housing for women who are working, attending school, or interning in our nation’s capital. We also have home-cooked, delicious food provided for our residents.

We are now requiring all residents to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to make our community as safe as possible. Visit our website to learn more about our accommodations or fill out an application so you can start enjoying all of the benefits of co-living in DC and find your new home today!