Performance
Score Breakdown
Lincoln
Gaithersburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Gaithersburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
355% higher compared to Lincoln.
Housing costs are a major driver: Lincoln's average rent is
24% lower than Gaithersburg's.
| Metric | Lincoln | Gaithersburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,363 | $1,784 | -24% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $260 | $180 | +44% |
| Transport | $1,200 | $120 | +900% |
| Healthcare | $9,572 | $277 | +3356% |
| Monthly Total | $12,795 | $2,811 | +355% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 143 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Gaithersburg offers 23% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Lincoln delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Lincoln is estimated at
$52,000 vs $106,000 in Gaithersburg.
| Metric | Lincoln | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $71,867 | $93,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $106,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 76,454 idx | 65,035 idx |
| Household Income | $71,867 | $112,467 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Lincoln | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Lincoln has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Gaithersburg.
Gaithersburg scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Lincoln | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 29 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Lincoln is the larger city
— approximately 4.3x the population of Gaithersburg.
From a growth perspective, Lincoln is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Lincoln has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Lincoln | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,375 | 70,684 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.61% | 0.60% |
| Median Age | 33.4 | 37.8 |
| Unemployment | 2.60% | 3.70% |
| GDP | $150.9B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Lincoln
Advantages
Lincoln's cost of living is approximately 6% lower than the national average, driven by more affordable housing and utilities.
The city boasts a low unemployment rate of 2.6% as of May 2026, significantly lower than the national average.
Lincoln has a shorter average commute time of 19.5 minutes, saving residents time compared to the national average.
The city is recognized for its exceptional public safety, with Part 1 crime reaching a 25-year low in 2025.
Over 40% of adults in Lincoln have a bachelor's degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Drawbacks
While overall cost of living is lower, healthcare costs in Lincoln are about 3% higher than the U.S. average.
Lincoln's employment and wage growth rates have been nearly identical to Omaha's, which have been slower than comparable cities.
Public transportation options, while affordable, have a limited reach around the city.
The state of Nebraska, including Lincoln, has experienced low population and labor force growth due to people relocating to other states.
Some goods and services in Lincoln are approximately 4% pricier than the national average.
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.
Lincoln
#21Nebraska, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,363
Avg Salary
$71,867
Cost Index
94
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.61%
Unemployment
2.60%
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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