Washington D.C | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

Our nation’s capital is an exciting destination for travel nurses, full of world-class healthcare systems, rich history, and endless cultural experiences. Between its museums, walkable neighborhoods, and proximity to scenic getaways, DC offers both professional growth and plenty to explore on your days off. While the cost of living can be high, many nurses find it worth it for the experience and access to top-tier facilities.

💰 Cost of Living

The cost of living in Washington, D.C. is significantly higher than the U.S. average, primarily due to housing prices.

• Overall cost of living index: ~151.9, about 52% higher than the U.S. average BestPlaces

• Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment: ~$1,935/month Sofi

• Housing costs are approximately 122% higher than the national average RentCafe

Summary: DC is expensive, but neighboring suburbs in Maryland and Virginia often offer lower rent and easy access via Metro. Many travel nurses choose to live just outside the city for better value.

🌤️ Weather by Month

Washington, D.C. has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cool with occasional snow. Spring and fall are mild and popular for outdoor exploring.

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Description
January	~43°F	~28°F	❄ Cold, possible snow
February	~47°F	~30°F	Still cold, gradual warmup
March	~57°F	~37°F	🌱 Early spring, flowers bloom
April	~68°F	~47°F	🌼 Pleasant and sunny
May	~78°F	~57°F	☀ Warm and green
June	~86°F	~65°F	Hot and humid
July	~89°F	~70°F	🔥 Hottest month, humid
August	~88°F	~69°F	🌥 Warm with storms possible
September	~82°F	~60°F	🍂 Mild and comfortable
October	~72°F	~50°F	🍁 Fall colors peak
November	~57°F	~40°F	🌬 Cooling down
December	~45°F	~30°F	❄ Cool and crisp

🛏️ Furnished Housing Options

Here are some reliable options for furnished, monthly short-term rentals in the DC metro area:

• Furnished Rentals – Washington, D.C. (TravelNurseHousing)Browse 650+ listings across the city and suburbs.Travel Nurse Housing

• Monthly Rentals – Washington, D.C. (FurnishedFinder)Over 700 listings, with examples starting around $1,300/month for a studio or one-bedroom.Furnished Finder

• Corporate/Professional Rentals – Washington, D.C. (HouseStay)Fully furnished apartments and homes with utilities included, starting around $2,300/month.HouseStay

Tip: Consider commuting from Arlington, Alexandria, or Silver Spring for better rates while staying within 30 minutes of most hospitals via Metro.

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

If you prefer hotel-style living or need a short-term option before settling into housing:

• Extended Stay America – Washington, D.C. – Gaithersburg – South Includes kitchens, on-site laundry, and weekly rates.Extended Stay America

• WoodSpring Suites – Washington, D.C. East Arena Drive Affordable extended-stay with kitchenettes and pet-friendly options.WoodSpring Suites

• Choice Hotels – Extended Stay Options in Washington, D.C. Filter listings for full kitchens and laundry access.Choice Hotels

🚐 RV Parks & Campgrounds

RV life is possible, though spaces fill quickly near the metro area. Consider these options for monthly stays:

• Cherry Hill Park – College Park, MDTop-rated park with full hookups, laundry, and easy Metro access to downtown DC.Cherry Hill Park

• Lake Fairfax Park – Reston, VAQuiet, wooded park with electric hookups and shower facilities.Fairfax County Parks

• Ramblin’ Pines Campground – Woodbine, MDOffers long-term sites with full hookups, about an hour from DC.Ramblin’ Pines

🎉 Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

• Visit the National Mall, home to monuments, memorials, and free Smithsonian museums.

• Explore vibrant neighborhoods like Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and Dupont Circle.

• Check out the Eastern Market or Union Market for local eats and artisan shopping.

• Stroll through Rock Creek Park or kayak along the Potomac River.

• Catch a concert at The Anthem or a Nationals baseball game.

🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips

• Alexandria, VA – 20 minutes south, charming Old Town with waterfront views.

• Annapolis, MD – 1 hour east, great seafood and sailing.

• Shenandoah National Park, VA – 2 hours west, hiking and mountain views.

• Baltimore, MD – 1 hour north, harbor attractions and historic sites.

• Ocean City, MD – 2.5 hours east, classic beach weekend.

⏳ Summary

Washington, D.C. is an incredible city for travel nurses who want professional growth and cultural depth. While housing costs are higher than most markets, the experience, history, and diversity make it a rewarding stop in your travel journey.

✅ Major hospital systems and top facilities

✅ Endless museums, restaurants, and activities

✅ Strong metro access and walkable neighborhoods

⚠️ Higher housing costs, limited RV sites, and heavy traffic

Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.