Germantown, MD vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living Comparison
Germantown has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Germantown | Washington | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 118 | 163 | Germantown |
| Housing | 115 ($1,385) | 208 ($1,330) | Germantown |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Germantown |
| Food & groceries | 150 ($615) | 142 ($582) | Washington |
| Utilities | 108 ($207) | 154 ($374) | Germantown |
| Healthcare | 108 ($150) | 154 ($270) | Germantown |
| Median annual wage | 123 ($59,510) | 189 ($91,540) | Germantown |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Germantown, MD or Washington, DC cheaper to live in?
Germantown, MD is cheaper overall by about 45 index points (Germantown, MD: 118, Washington, DC: 163; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Germantown, MD vs Washington, DC?
A single adult needs roughly $41,300/year in Germantown, MD and $57,050/year in Washington, DC to cover basic living costs.