I never lived in DC Area but I was there last month for a visit. I don't know what part of DC you are moving to but Arlington area (where my friend was living and DC downton is like 5 minutes walk from there ) I found it quite expensive. He is living in one bed room apartment and he said he is paying 1450 excluding any utility. The metro station,grocery stores are ofcourse near by from his aparment. As, I never lived in DC area so can't provide much information other than this . This is just one scenario and hope that not everypart of dc area is that expensive. I hope somebody who is actually living there can provide more input And hey congrats for you job offer. My best wishes.

You could live further out, about 45 minutes from DC downtown say around Vienna, and rent a room. Check Craigs List, I am sure you will find a suitable accomodation for reasonable price. DC is a wonderful place to work and live.

I am not sure how it is these days, but I am sure how it was 2-3 years ago still applies. First of all, you probably will like it outside DC. Northeast part of DC is shady, northwest is expensive. If you want a very short commute to DC and want to live closer to fellow Nepalese, then either Vienna, Rockville (close to the metro) or even Takoma (slightley shadier) could work. You will lots of Nepalese in Gaithersberg, Rockville, Fairfax, Vienna, Chantilly area.

I have lived in DC (Fairfax VA) for 5 years from 2005-2010 and rent is expensive compared to other cities. If your job is in DC try living on the Maryland side (silver spring or greenbelt). It is less expensive than Fairfax or Arlington but same distance to DC and you can take red or green line train to DC.

Sharing an apartment is your best bet. Studios can be pretty expensive even in Md. and Northern Virginia. I think you shouldn't worry too much about closeness to the metro. My experience with buses in Alexandria (and NOVA in general) isn't bad at all. I share a two bedroom for real cheap and take a bus + metro (Pentagon station) to Foggy Bottom. Some of my Nepali friends live in Rockville and work downtown. They say it is very affordable,convenient, and an easy commute to work. Check Craigslist. That's how most newcomers find housing in the area. Good Luck!