Arlington, VA vs Germantown, MD: Cost of Living Comparison
Germantown has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Arlington | Germantown | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 118 | Germantown |
| Housing | 248 ($1,593) | 115 ($1,385) | Germantown |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Arlington |
| Food & groceries | 188 ($771) | 150 ($615) | Germantown |
| Utilities | 174 ($446) | 108 ($207) | Germantown |
| Healthcare | 174 ($322) | 108 ($150) | Germantown |
| 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 Germantown, MD cheaper to live in?
Germantown, MD is cheaper overall by about 72 index points (Arlington, VA: 190, Germantown, MD: 118; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Arlington, VA vs Germantown, MD?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Arlington, VA and $41,300/year in Germantown, MD to cover basic living costs.