Bowie, MD vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living Comparison
Bowie has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Bowie | Washington | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 131 | 163 | Bowie |
| Housing | 127 ($1,568) | 208 ($1,330) | Bowie |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Bowie |
| Food & groceries | 190 ($779) | 142 ($582) | Washington |
| Utilities | 114 ($229) | 154 ($374) | Bowie |
| Healthcare | 114 ($165) | 154 ($270) | Bowie |
| Median annual wage | 123 ($59,510) | 189 ($91,540) | Bowie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie, MD or Washington, DC cheaper to live in?
Bowie, MD is cheaper overall by about 32 index points (Bowie, MD: 131, Washington, DC: 163; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Bowie, MD vs Washington, DC?
A single adult needs roughly $45,850/year in Bowie, MD and $57,050/year in Washington, DC to cover basic living costs.