Last updated on September 21st, 2025
You land an internship at the State Department. Or maybe your firm’s posted you in DC for three months to babysit a contract. Or maybe you’re just testing the waters before relocating full-time. Either way, your housing clock’s ticking.
That’s when the classic DMV dilemma hits: should you stay in Washington, DC, or hop across the river to Arlington?
Both have advantages, both have trade-offs, and for short-term renters,especially those hunting 30- to 90-day leases or furnished corporate housing,it’s about much more than just a zip code. Walkability competes with price, buzz with breathing room, and commute with comfort. This guide breaks it down so you can figure out which side of the river feels more like home, even if only temporarily.
The Cheat Sheet
Here’s a quick side-by-side to set the stage:
| Feature | Washington, DC | Arlington, VA |
| Avg. 1BR Furnished (Monthly) | $2,800–$4,200 | $2,000–$3,500 |
| Lease Flexibility | Limited under 90 days due to regs | More flexible in high-rises |
| Walkability Score | 75–98 depending on neighborhood | 60–85, highest in Clarendon & Rosslyn |
| Metro Access | Six lines plus buses | Direct links on Orange, Blue, Silver lines |
| Safety | Block to block variation | Generally higher in most areas |
| Nightlife & Dining | Vibrant: U Street, H Street, Adams Morgan | Quieter, though Clarendon is lively |
| Commute to Downtown | Already there | 10–25 minutes via Metro or car |
Who Actually Rents Short-Term Here?
Most people searching for 30–90 day housing in the DC area aren’t planting roots for good. They’re interns chasing Hill credentials, consultants parachuting in for contracts, federal staff on rotation, grad students running semester-long projects, remote workers sampling city life, or international visitors tackling fellowships.
Interns usually need to be right in the city,Foggy Bottom or Capitol Hill,since time and stipends are tight. Consultants often prefer Arlington hubs like Ballston or Crystal City, where furnished, plug-and-play apartments come with utilities included. Federal employees and researchers tend to strike a middle ground, gravitating toward Rosslyn, NoMa, or Capitol Hill, where they can balance accessibility with comfort. And for remote workers, both Arlington’s Ballston and DC’s Columbia Heights check the boxes: reliable Wi-Fi, manageable noise, and a café or two for cabin-fever breaks.
Costs: Space vs Location
Short-term housing is expensive everywhere in the DMV, but the trade-off is usually space versus location. In Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and Capitol Hill, expect to pay $2,700 to $4,000 or more for a furnished one-bedroom. Cross the river into Arlington and the ranges ease: Crystal City or Pentagon City units often run $2,100 to $3,000, while Clarendon or Rosslyn push closer to $3,500 but still deliver newer buildings and larger floorplans.
Deposits and fees also tilt the scale. DC landlords often ask for first month, last month, and a security deposit. In Arlington’s newer complexes, the process is simpler,usually just one month’s rent as deposit, prorated move-in, and bundled utilities. For short stays, bundled pricing through platforms like Blueground or Sonder can save stress.
Commutes, Transit, and Airports
If your temporary stay revolves around moving between meetings, Metro access matters more than square footage. DC has the clear edge in coverage: six color-coded lines weave through the city, putting most central neighborhoods within a short walk of a station. Living in Dupont Circle, Columbia Heights, or NoMa means few transfers and less time underground.
Arlington isn’t as saturated, but it makes up ground with the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines running through Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, and Pentagon City. From there, downtown DC is usually less than 25 minutes away. The catch is proximity: two blocks from the station can mean an easy commute; six blocks in the rain, not so much.
One place where Arlington truly shines is airport access. Reagan National (DCA) sits just minutes from Crystal City and Pentagon City. From DC proper you can still reach it in 15–25 minutes, but being able to walk or grab a two-stop Metro ride is a serious perk if your stay involves frequent flights.
Safety and Everyday Comfort
Safety in DC varies from street to street. Capitol Hill, Dupont, and NoMa generally feel safe and lively, though nightlife neighborhoods like Adams Morgan or H Street can mean noise, crowds, and sirens. Arlington tends to offer a calmer, more predictable experience. High-rise apartments in Clarendon or Ballston often come with concierge desks, package rooms, and key-fob security,small details that matter when you’re new to town or working long hours.
Building type is another subtle factor. DC’s charm often lies in older walk-ups and rowhouses, which may lack secure entries or modern amenities. Arlington’s corporate housing and newer developments lean toward gyms, elevators, and secured access, which can be reassuring for short-term residents.
Short-Term Rental Rules
Regulation is where DC and Arlington diverge most. Washington, DC restricts Airbnb-style stays: full-unit rentals are capped at 90 nights per year unless the host lives on-site, and short bookings under 30 days are heavily limited. Arlington’s rules are looser. With landlord approval, homeowners and renters can legally lease for up to 180 days per year. That translates into more inventory, from basement studios to high-rise apartments near the Metro.
Because of these restrictions, many short-term residents turn to furnished-apartment platforms like Blueground, Sonder, Landing, and Zeus Living all operate in DC and Arlington, offering 30-day minimum leases with utilities and cleaning services included. For government contractors and federal staff, corporate housing companies like Oakwood or CorporateHousing.com provide vetted, per diem-friendly options with month-to-month flexibility.
Where You’ll Fit Best
If you’re an intern or student, DC usually wins on proximity. Foggy Bottom puts you near GWU and the State Department, while Capitol Hill keeps you walking distance from congressional offices. Arlington alternatives like Rosslyn or Crystal City are quieter but still Metro-fast into downtown.
For remote workers, Arlington shines. Ballston’s glass towers, co-working cafés, and quieter nights suit a laptop-first lifestyle, while Clarendon offers social outlets without chaos. If you’d rather be in DC, Dupont Circle balances character, Wi-Fi, and daytime energy.
Families and couples often prefer Arlington’s space and convenience. Pentagon City offers groceries, malls, and green space; Lyon Village feels suburban but close. On the DC side, Eastern Market and Woodley Park are livable and calmer, though rentals are harder to snag short-term.
And if nightlife is the priority? DC takes the crown. Adams Morgan, U Street, and H Street are loud, late, and lively. Clarendon is Arlington’s closest competitor, offering a mix of bars and restaurants without full-tilt chaos.
Should You Stay in DC or Arlington?
The decision comes down to how you’ll use your time. For shorter stays,under three months,DC makes sense if you want to walk everywhere, soak up the energy, and don’t mind a smaller apartment. If you’re working remotely, value modern perks like concierge desks and in-unit laundry, or need to jet out of town often, Arlington delivers comfort and convenience without sacrificing commute time.
Still not sure? Platforms like Blueground and Sonder let you test both sides of the river with flexible leases. That way you can start in Dupont and end in Ballston, sampling the city’s buzz and Virginia’s breathing room before deciding where you’d really want to live long-term.
