...when we lived on U Street, our money reached further. We were renting a brownstone on 13th between U and V streets NW, roughly for what we're paying now for a two bedroom. We gained a second floor and additional 1.5 baths. Groceries cost about the same as here. I'm not sure how you'd compare public transportation costs (flat rate vs. metered fare), but I'd compare DC favorably to New York for cost of living.