Cost of Living in Gaithersburg, MD
Population 69,225 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Gaithersburg cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $485,000, rents near $2,008 a month.
Gaithersburg sits roughly 20 miles west of Columbia — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Columbia's $480,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Gaithersburg
The median home value in Gaithersburg is $484,500 — 59% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,008/month, 53% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $107,496/year is 44% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, 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%. Overall, Gaithersburg has a cost of living index of 156 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Gaithersburg, MD?
Gaithersburg has a cost index of 156 (100 = national average). It is 56% above the national average.
What is average rent in Gaithersburg, MD?
The median gross rent in Gaithersburg is $2,008 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Gaithersburg?
The median home value in Gaithersburg is $484,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Gaithersburg?
The median household income in Gaithersburg is $107,496 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Gaithersburg, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gaithersburg is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Gaithersburg, MD affordable?
Gaithersburg is above average in cost of living, with an index of 156 — about 56% higher than the national average.
Gaithersburg at a Glance
- Population
- 69,225
- Median Income
- $107,496
- Home Value
- $484,500
- Median Rent
- $2,008/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.1%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
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