City Comparison
Towson vs Gaithersburg
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Towson scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Towson
Gaithersburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Towson | Gaithersburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,850 | $1,784 | +4% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $277 | -17% |
| Monthly Total | $2,810 | $2,811 | -0% |
| Cost Index | 112 | 143 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Gaithersburg offers 23% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Gaithersburg delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Towson is estimated at
$62,000 vs $106,000 in Gaithersburg.
| Metric | Towson | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $93,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $106,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,286 idx | 65,035 idx |
| Household Income | $101,320 | $112,467 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Towson runs warmer on average — a 55.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Towson comes out ahead with 238 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Towson sees 15.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Towson | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 83.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 25.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 51.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 15.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 238 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Towson has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Gaithersburg.
Gaithersburg scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Towson | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 29 min |
| Transit Score | 37.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 50.0/100 | 50.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Gaithersburg is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Towson.
From a growth perspective, Gaithersburg is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Gaithersburg has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Towson | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,257 | 70,684 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.33% | 0.60% |
| Median Age | 33.6 | 37.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 3.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Towson
Advantages
Median household income stands at a robust $101,320, reflecting strong local economic vitality per Census data.
Home to top-tier healthcare systems including GBMC and UM St. Joseph Medical Center.
Vibrant educational presence anchored by Towson University and Goucher College.
Abundant retail and dining choices centered around the prominent Towson Town Center.
Proximity to scenic outdoor recreational areas like Lake Roland Park and regional trail networks.
Drawbacks
Housing market competition is intense, with median property values reaching approximately $469,000.
Overall cost of living is notably higher than the national baseline, driven primarily by housing premiums.
Car dependency is high outside of the immediate downtown commercial core.
Traffic congestion along major commercial corridors like York Road during peak hours can lengthen commutes.
Rental options can be tight and expensive due to high demand from students and young professionals.
Gaithersburg
Advantages
Gaithersburg's median household income of $112,467 in 2024 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong economic opportunities.
The city's job market experienced a healthy growth rate of 1.67% from 2023 to 2024, reflecting a robust economy.
Gaithersburg offers a diverse and well-educated population, with 52.5% of residents aged 25+ holding a bachelor's degree or higher in 2024.
The crime rate in Gaithersburg is 26% lower than the national average, contributing to a sense of safety for residents.
Access to quality healthcare is strong, with major medical centers like Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center nearby, recognized for patient safety and quality.
Drawbacks
The overall cost of living in Gaithersburg is 43% higher than the national average, primarily due to high housing costs.
Housing costs are particularly elevated, with the average rent at $1,784 in 2026 and median home values around $496,500 in 2024.
Despite a lower overall crime rate, violent crime in Gaithersburg rose by 9.2% from the previous year in 2024.
The city exhibits medium car dependency, with over half of workers driving alone to work and public transit options varying in accessibility.
The median individual income of $53,359 in 2024 is considerably lower than the median household income, suggesting potential income disparity.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Towson
#325Maryland, USA
60.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,850
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
112
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
37.0/100
Walkability
50.0/100
Sunny Days
238/yr
Avg Temp
55.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.33%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
77
Business
72
Gaithersburg
#580Maryland, USA
45.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,784
Avg Salary
$93,000
Cost Index
143
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
50.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.60%
Unemployment
3.70%
Livability
74
Business
70
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