Washington DC, United States Cost of Living & Relocation for UN Staff — Prices, Hardship & Quality of Life

Washington DC at a Glance Compare with

Considering a career with the UN or another international organization in United States? This profile covers cost of living and purchasing power, the ICSC hardship classification and human development — so you know what living there really means. For pay by grade, see the Salary & Benefits tab.

Capital

Washington

Currency

Dollar (USD)

Region

North America

Languages

English, Spanish, HAW, French

Area

9,629,091 km²

Calling code

Cost of Living & Purchasing Power

100 / 100 (US = 100)

This is the World Bank price-level index: a whole-economy, national average of consumer prices benchmarked against the United States as a whole (US = 100), from the International Comparison Program. It is a country-level figure — it isn't tied to a specific city or measured against New York. At about 100, everyday prices in United States are roughly 100% of US levels. (World Bank, 2026.)

How this relates to your UN pay. For internationally-recruited (P / D) staff, the UN's post adjustment — set per duty station against New York, not the US average — is what actually governs your purchasing power. It already prices in local costs (here about 55%), so it isn't added on top of the saving above. For locally-recruited (GS / NO) staff — paid in local currency with no post adjustment — this national index is the more useful lifestyle guide.

How this is measured (World Bank ICP)

Human Development & Quality of Life

Very High Human Development

0.938 HDI rank #17 of 193

Life expectancy (yrs)

$73,650

GNI / capita

13.9

Mean yrs schooling

15.9

Expected yrs schooling

The UNDP Human Development Index combines health, education and income. United States is in the very high band — a useful signal of living conditions, services and schooling for staff and accompanying family. UNDP data

What a UN posting pays here

See what each grade earns in Washington DC — post adjustment, hardship and danger pay.

Salary & Benefits by grade