Arlington, VA vs Gaithersburg, MD: Cost of Living Comparison
Gaithersburg has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Arlington | Gaithersburg | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 128 | Gaithersburg |
| Housing | 248 ($1,593) | 139 ($1,406) | Gaithersburg |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Arlington |
| Food & groceries | 188 ($771) | 144 ($590) | Gaithersburg |
| Utilities | 174 ($446) | 120 ($250) | Gaithersburg |
| Healthcare | 174 ($322) | 120 ($181) | Gaithersburg |
| Median annual wage | 115 ($55,690) | 123 ($59,510) | Arlington |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington, VA or Gaithersburg, MD cheaper to live in?
Gaithersburg, MD is cheaper overall by about 62 index points (Arlington, VA: 190, Gaithersburg, MD: 128; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Arlington, VA vs Gaithersburg, MD?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Arlington, VA and $44,800/year in Gaithersburg, MD to cover basic living costs.