Washington DC Hostel Prices

How much do hostels in Washington DC cost?

Available dorm-bed prices in Washington DC, USA range from $31 to $119/night over the next 3 months. HostelHound compares 11 hostels. Cheaper dates to stay include Oct 5, Dec 1, Dec 2.

On a typical date, the cheapest available dorm bed is around $40.

At $31/night and up, Washington DC is one of the pricier hostel destinations in USA.

How these prices work: Hostelworld listings, based on one night and the selected dorm-bed type. “Typical starting price” is the median of daily minimum prices across 7 contributing properties—not the typical hostel’s price. Amounts are converted to USD; verify availability and final taxes and fees on Hostelworld. Filters can narrow the advertised results below, but this summary remains citywide. Latest city scrape: 2026-09-20T06:31:12.219Z.

Cheaper dates to stay

The lower-priced dates currently available include October 5 (one night),December 1 (one night),December 2 (one night). Cheaper stay dates show when lower prices are available. They do not say how far ahead to book.

Other cities in USA

Check a hostel’s price history

Open a tracked hostel to see its own recent prices in Washington DC.

Local knowledge for Washington DC

Where to stay

Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights are where most hostel beds cluster. Adams Morgan puts you on 18th Street NW within walking distance of the U Street corridor, while Columbia Heights sits one stop north on the Green and Yellow lines and tends to run a few dollars cheaper per night.

Getting around

Every Smithsonian museum is free and most are walk-in. The one exception is the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which requires timed passes. Reserve them online in advance at no cost.
The Kennedy Center runs free Millennium Stage performances at 6pm every night. Check the calendar at kennedy-center.org before you go since genres rotate from jazz to classical to spoken word.
Georgetown has no Metro stop. The DC Circulator that once served Georgetown was discontinued at the end of 2024, so a Metrobus or the short walk from Foggy Bottom station is now the cheapest way in, which still beats calling a rideshare every time.

When to go

January and February are the slowest months with the lowest hostel rates. Beds fill fast and prices spike during Cherry Blossom season in late March through early April, then again throughout June, July, and August when family tourism peaks.

Frequently asked questions

How much do hostels in Washington DC cost?

On a typical date, the cheapest available dorm bed is around $40. Dorm beds currently range from $31 to $119/night across the next 3 months of availability.

What are cheaper dates to stay in Washington DC?

Based on current listed prices, cheaper upcoming dates to stay in Washington DC include October 5, December 1, December 2.

How many hostels does HostelHound track in Washington DC?

HostelHound currently tracks 11 hostels in Washington DC, USA.

Is Washington DC affordable compared to other hostel cities in USA?

Washington DC is one of the pricier hostel destinations in USA, with dorm prices starting from $31/night.

Where do backpackers stay in Washington DC?

Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights are where most hostel beds cluster. Adams Morgan puts you on 18th Street NW within walking distance of the U Street corridor, while Columbia Heights sits one stop north on the Green and Yellow lines and tends to run a few dollars cheaper per night.

What is the best time of year to visit Washington DC?

January and February are the slowest months with the lowest hostel rates. Beds fill fast and prices spike during Cherry Blossom season in late March through early April, then again throughout June, July, and August when family tourism peaks.