Frederick, MD vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living Comparison
Frederick has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Frederick | Washington | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 108 | 163 | Frederick |
| Housing | 105 ($1,182) | 208 ($1,330) | Frederick |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Frederick |
| Food & groceries | 127 ($521) | 142 ($582) | Frederick |
| Utilities | 103 ($189) | 154 ($374) | Frederick |
| Healthcare | 103 ($137) | 154 ($270) | Frederick |
| Median annual wage | 123 ($59,510) | 189 ($91,540) | Frederick |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick, MD or Washington, DC cheaper to live in?
Frederick, MD is cheaper overall by about 55 index points (Frederick, MD: 108, Washington, DC: 163; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Frederick, MD vs Washington, DC?
A single adult needs roughly $37,800/year in Frederick, MD and $57,050/year in Washington, DC to cover basic living costs.