Cost of living in D.C.

October 7, 2008 8:51 AM

I just received a job offer that would necessitate moving to DC. Is the offer sufficient?

The offer was in the 60k (+ bonuses) range. I am a recent college graduate with modest needs. I:
- Will not need a car; public transportation will suffice
- Would like to live in a small studio in a relatively nice, safe neighborhood (thinking Adams-Morgan, though I am open to suggestions)
- Wouldn't have nights on the town more than once or twice a night
- Am able to eat inexpensively due to my diet
- Have massive student loans that I would like to make 2-3x payments on each month
- Am shooting to put between $7.5-10k per year in savings

If there are any suggestions or additional questions, feel free to follow up via e-mail: [e-mail].

Thanks, all!

(Asked anonymously in the event that my possible future employer sees this)

posted by anonymous to Work & Money (22 answers total)

Yeah, that's sufficient. I knew plenty of folks making that (or less) in DC.
posted by orthogonality at 8:58 AM on October 7, 2008

Well, do you want to live in DC? If you're not interested in actually living there, I would think the offer wouldn't matter much one way or another.

If by "recent college graduate" you are referring to being out of undergrad, then this offer is insane, and yes you should take it. There are no recent grads making anywhere near $60k in DC - there's a glut of really educated, eminently qualified young professionals in this town. You usually need a master's degree to hit the $60s so young.

The small studio, especially in Adams Morgan, will be the biggest expense you'll have - to the tune of at least $1500 a month, I would think. Check Craigslist for deals, but bear in mind that Adams Morgan has some sketchy streets. Check out upper NW, Capitol Hill, etc., for other good neighborhoods.
posted by harperpitt at 9:04 AM on October 7, 2008

For a recent college grad, that's pretty great, even in expensive DC. My first job was in DC, and by the time I left (in 2003), I made $39K. There was no way I could have lived alone in a cool neighborhood, but I definitely did OK and saved a little money and was able to spend money on fun stuff, too.
posted by Airhen at 9:04 AM on October 7, 2008

Good god, you have nothing to worry about. I know plenty of people in your situation in DC...except that they make around $20k less (so not as able to put away the savings).
posted by kittyprecious at 9:06 AM on October 7, 2008

One more thing: seriously, especially if you're in your early twenties, consider a group house. I have lived in group houses my entire time in DC (since mid-2005) and the rent is way cheaper, plus it is less lonely if you don't know anyone in the city. It may not be as glamorous as your own apartment, but you can pay off those student loans way faster.
posted by harperpitt at 9:06 AM on October 7, 2008

Definitely doable. You might want to consider living over the bridge in Arlington, where you can get the same for much cheaper or much more for the same.
posted by callmejay at 9:09 AM on October 7, 2008

I realize I'm reading between the lines, but it seems to me that your major concern is paying off your student loans as quickly as possible. If that's the case, then, yes, take this offer, especially in this economy.

Of course, I'm going to attach the caveat that you need to like the work somewhat. I'm not saying you need to love it, but you do need to like it and be reasonably assured that the people you work with will be tolerable. Otherwise, no sum of money will compensate for agony at the office.
posted by micawber at 9:17 AM on October 7, 2008

You can definitely meet your goals with that salary in DC. In fact, as a not-recent college grad, I'm envious of your salary. ;)
The trick is to find a studio that doesn't cost *too* much per month. I suggest looking in the Clarendon/Courthouse area of Arlington -- this will often be cheaper than in DC proper, but still close to the action and near several metro stops.
Also, there are plenty of cheap/free ways to have fun in DC. I suggest reading the Going Out Gurus blog for a weekly listing of "Free and Easy Events". Another relatively cheap way to meet people is through playing kickball.
If you end up moving here... welcome to DC!
posted by saturngirl at 9:39 AM on October 7, 2008

Also, seconding harperpitt: check out a group house. Four years ago I rented a room in a fantastic old row house for dirt cheap and made some friends who I still stay see today.
posted by meta_eli at 9:48 AM on October 7, 2008

60k out of college is pretty good, even for DC rents. Its hard to answer this as we dont have any concrete numbers for your loans and other data, but generally, yes, this is easily livable.
posted by damn dirty ape at 9:49 AM on October 7, 2008

This is a good offer. I don't know about your student loans, but you can put away 10K a year and live in a relatively expensive DC studio or moderate 1BR on not much more than a quarter or at most a third of your take-home pay, assuming after taxes and your bonuses you end up a bit above 60K.
posted by Inspector.Gadget at 9:54 AM on October 7, 2008

Huh, seems my previous comment didn't post. Sad.

I moved to DC and did fine for considerably less than $60k.

I might rethink Adams Morgan, though. Is it near the job? It's very nice, but expensive. I moved from a studio in AdMo to a 1 bedroom in Logan Circle and saved $50/month. Also, the drunken debauchery on 18th St gets old fast.
posted by meta_eli at 10:00 AM on October 7, 2008

This is a good offer. I don't know if you have debts, but I think you could save with this if you stick to your going-out plan. When you get into town, we'll have a meet-up. I make less than $60K and am grouping it now living-wise, but I know people who are making $35K and still making it here.
posted by parmanparman at 10:06 AM on October 7, 2008

Definitely doable.

I lived on the border of Dupont and AM for 4 years in a studio in a great building and left in December 2006 paying $875. Not common, but look into places (I found mine in the Washington Post) in condo buildings with a private owner.
posted by Pax at 10:19 AM on October 7, 2008

In the late 80s I lived in DC on less than 10,000 a year in Adams Morgan area. I guess things have changed.
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 10:33 AM on October 7, 2008

Beyond doable. I know people that moved to and lived in DC for 1/2 of that.
posted by ml98tu at 10:34 AM on October 7, 2008

Beyond doable. You may want to ditch Adams Morgan and look for something more Metro accessable or closer to your work place.
posted by Pollomacho at 10:55 AM on October 7, 2008

You're totally fine. Again, I would skip Adams Morgan. Not that close to a metro station, too expensive, and you'll want to kill yourself with all the drunken nightlife. You can find a decent studio east of Rock Creek Park for $1000-$1200, west of rock creek will generally run you $1200 plus (Cleveland Park, Woodley, etc)

How much are your loan payments?
posted by waylaid at 12:01 PM on October 7, 2008

Agreed that $60K is enough, and double-agreed about the group house suggestions. You'll save money and it's a great way to meet people.
posted by timoni at 1:38 PM on October 7, 2008

Arlington is just as expensive as many parts of DC, I'd advise not living there if you're looking for cheapness. Maybe a few stops out into Ballston territory it gets cheaper. I love Capitol Hill, do look into living here.

The cost of living in DC isn't great, but your salary is fine. I make less that that and live like a king (without saving anything of course, but the King needs not such piffle!)!
posted by Potomac Avenue at 2:18 PM on October 7, 2008

2nd checking out Capitol Hill for a great walkable, REAL neighborhood, not the drunken Mardi Gras that Adams Morgan can be. Plus, it's walking distance from Union Station, which will get you everywhere fast. When I lived on the Hill in the late 90s, I was paying $750 for a 750sf apartment on the first floor in a brownstone with hardwood floors, w/d, dishwasher, fireplace, and central air. And it wasn't particularly a steal at that time. And I had some great neighbors of all ages.

Oh, and when I was living there, I was making a little more than half your salary offer, and did it while owning a car. You'll have no problem living where you want to, saving some, and paying off your loans, especially since you won't have a car.
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 3:42 PM on October 7, 2008

I'm here in DC and make MUCH less than that. You'll be fine. Eastern Market, Logan Circle, Glover Park, and Mount Pleasant are all places I'd look at if I were you (MP in particular is quieter and cheaper than Adams Morgan, but still has lots of character).
posted by landedjentry at 6:24 PM on October 7, 2008