Cost of Living in Fort Washington, MD
Population 25,843 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Fort Washington is a long average commute — 43 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost. At 6.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Fort Washington sits roughly 7 miles southeast of Alexandria — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than Alexandria's $697,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Washington
The median home value in Fort Washington is $464,300 — 52% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,724/month, 107% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $145,942/year is 96% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Maryland's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 67.8°F and lows of 50.9°F, with about 13.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Fort Washington has a cost of living index of 174 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 74% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45 | 48 | 57 | 68 | 77 | 85 | 90 | 88 | 81 | 69 | 58 | 49 |
| Low °F | 30 | 32 | 39 | 48 | 58 | 68 | 72 | 71 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 35 |
| Precip" | 2.86 | 2.62 | 3.50 | 3.21 | 3.94 | 4.20 | 4.33 | 3.25 | 3.93 | 3.66 | 2.91 | 3.41 |
| Snow" | 4.9 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Washington, MD?
Fort Washington has a cost index of 174 (100 = national average). It is 74% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Washington, MD?
The median gross rent in Fort Washington is $2,724 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fort Washington?
The median home value in Fort Washington is $464,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fort Washington?
The median household income in Fort Washington is $145,942 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Washington, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Washington is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Fort Washington, MD affordable?
Fort Washington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 174 — about 74% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Fort Washington?
Fort Washington has average high temperatures of 67.8°F and average lows of 50.9°F. Annual precipitation is 41.8". Average annual snowfall is 13.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fort Washington at a Glance
- Population
- 25,843
- Median Income
- $145,942
- Home Value
- $464,300
- Median Rent
- $2,724/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
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