Home > Blog > How To > How to Afford Living in DC: 5 Must Follow Tips

How to Afford Living in DC: 5 Must Follow Tips

How To

April 4, 2020

|

5 min

 Have you recently moved to Washington, DC? Or, maybe you’ve lived there for a few years but are looking to reevaluate your budget. Living in any major city can be expensive. But, when you follow a few key tips, you’ll find that your wallet doesn’t have to be stretched thin in order to enjoy the city life. Check out these tips for living in Washington, DC on a budget.

5 Tips for Living in DC on a Budget

1. Look for free experiences: One of the biggest perks to living in Washington, DC is all of the awesome things you can do without needing to spend money. Whether you’re looking to spend the day being entertained, or learn something new, there’s always something to do. The Smithsonian museums house some of the most amazing artifacts, artwork and collections in the world, and are completely free. Additionally, The Kennedy Center puts on free shows every day.
2. Consider a monthly metro pass: In order to avoid the DC traffic, many people choose to navigate through the city using the Metro. Unfortunately, when you take frequent trips, the cost can really add up. If this is happening to you, consider purchasing a monthly pass. When you purchase a monthly pass, you’re able to take unlimited trips with just a flat rate.
3. Consider housing outside of DC: If you’re tired of paying premium rent to live in Washington, DC, consider relocating to a move affordable area. In order to cut back on the cost of living, many people commute from nearby Maryland and Virginia communities. Looking outside of the city can allow you to get more space for less cost.
4. Get a roommate: The easiest way to cut your rent in half is by getting a roommate. While this may not be the way you pictured your post-grad life, it allows you to cut back on living expenses immensely. When looking for a roommate, it’s a good idea to choose one that lives a similar lifestyle as you.
5. Eat out smartly: It’s no mystery that Washington, DC is a huge foodie scene. Unfortunately, though, eating out can really add up. In order to cut back on costs, be smart with where you eat out. One of the best ways to enjoy eating out while still sticking to your budget is to keep an eye out for happy hours or other specials. Competition for happy hours is stiff, so you can usually get a good deal on a light dinner with friends.

ezStorage Has Storage Facilities All Throughout Washington, DC

If you have moved to Washington, DC from another area, you may be downsizing living spaces. To keep your new home from getting too crowded, consider a storage unit rental. With a storage unit rental, you’re able to hold extra furniture, out of season clothing, old textbooks and more until you need them again.

During this period of uncertainty, we have rolled out contactless renting. With the contactless renting option, you’re able to rent a storage unit from the safety of your home without person-to-person contact. If you prefer to go to visit one of our storage facilities to rent, that option is still available to you. Our staff is diligently working to sanitize and keep out storage facilities as clean as possible. Make space in your new DC home and reserve a storage unit today. 

Share This Post: