Performance
Score Breakdown
Hopkinsville
Gaithersburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hopkinsville is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
30% lower compared to Gaithersburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hopkinsville's average rent is
45% lower than Gaithersburg's.
| Metric | Hopkinsville | Gaithersburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $989 | $1,784 | -45% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $218 | $180 | +21% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $277 | -10% |
| Monthly Total | $1,977 | $2,811 | -30% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 143 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Gaithersburg offers 33% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Hopkinsville delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Hopkinsville is estimated at
$45,000 vs $106,000 in Gaithersburg.
| Metric | Hopkinsville | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,602 | $93,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $106,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,649 idx | 65,035 idx |
| Household Income | $49,139 | $112,467 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Hopkinsville | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Hopkinsville has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Gaithersburg.
Gaithersburg scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Gaithersburg leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hopkinsville | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 29 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Gaithersburg is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Hopkinsville.
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 | Hopkinsville | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 30,395 | 70,684 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.60% |
| Median Age | 34.6 | 37.8 |
| Unemployment | 5.90% | 3.70% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hopkinsville
Advantages
The cost of living in Hopkinsville is notably lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
Median home prices in Hopkinsville were up 4.6% year-over-year as of May 2026, indicating a growing housing market.
The city offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, contributing to a strong community vibe.
Hopkinsville provides convenient access to Fort Campbell and Clarksville, offering additional amenities and employment opportunities.
The average rent in Hopkinsville is significantly lower than the national average, making it affordable for renters.
Drawbacks
Hopkinsville's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average, with a safety grade of C-.
The city has a higher crime rate than 85% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Some residents report a limited nightlife and few decent dining options, with many establishments closing early.
There are concerns about a 'Good Ol Boy' system in local businesses and difficulty retaining new businesses.
The city's population is projected to be declining annually, with a -1.13% growth rate from 2025-2026.
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.
Hopkinsville
#64Kentucky, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$989
Avg Salary
$62,602
Cost Index
85
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.90%
Livability
70
Business
60
Gaithersburg
#21Maryland, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,784
Avg Salary
$93,000
Cost Index
143
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.60%
Unemployment
3.70%
Livability
74
Business
70
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Hopkinsville and Gaithersburg.
Open Cost Calculator