Performance
Score Breakdown
Laramie
Gaithersburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Laramie is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
24% lower compared to Gaithersburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: Laramie's average rent is
36% lower than Gaithersburg's.
| Metric | Laramie | Gaithersburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,149 | $1,784 | -36% |
| Groceries | $377 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $352 | $180 | +96% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $138 | $277 | -50% |
| Monthly Total | $2,136 | $2,811 | -24% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 143 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Gaithersburg offers 30% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Laramie delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Laramie is estimated at
$31,776 vs $106,000 in Gaithersburg.
| Metric | Laramie | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,136 | $93,000 |
| Salary Needed | $31,776 | $106,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,564 idx | 65,035 idx |
| Household Income | $55,613 | $112,467 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Laramie | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 46.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Laramie has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,000 minutes (133 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 | Laramie | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 13 min | 29 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Gaithersburg is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Laramie.
From a growth perspective, Laramie is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Laramie has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Laramie | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,511 | 70,684 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.70% | 0.60% |
| Median Age | 26.9 | 37.8 |
| Unemployment | 2.20% | 3.70% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Laramie
Advantages
The cost of living in Laramie is lower than the national average, particularly for housing and groceries.
Laramie has a violent crime rate significantly below the national average, making it a very safe place to live.
The city offers a strong sense of community and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
There are abundant outdoor activities available, including hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing, due to its proximity to mountains and forests.
Commute times are significantly shorter than the national average, at only 13 minutes.
Drawbacks
Childcare and dining out costs can be more expensive in Laramie compared to the national average.
Some residents may need to travel to larger cities for specialized medical care or extensive shopping options.
Despite growth, Laramie can still feel somewhat isolated, with a "middle of nowhere" feel for some.
The median household income in Laramie is lower than the national average.
The housing market, while affordable, has seen a slight decrease in median home prices in early 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.
Laramie
#21Wyoming, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,149
Avg Salary
$65,136
Cost Index
95
Commute
13 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
2.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
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
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