Performance
Score Breakdown
Smyrna
Gaithersburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Smyrna is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
6% lower compared to Gaithersburg.
| Metric | Smyrna | Gaithersburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $1,784 | -2% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $190 | $180 | +6% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $277 | -46% |
| Monthly Total | $2,630 | $2,811 | -6% |
| Cost Index | 99 | 143 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Gaithersburg offers 43% 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 Smyrna is estimated at
$57,912 vs $106,000 in Gaithersburg.
| Metric | Smyrna | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,722 | $93,000 |
| Salary Needed | $57,912 | $106,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,255 idx | 65,035 idx |
| Household Income | $67,048 | $112,467 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Smyrna | 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
Gaithersburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Smyrna.
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 | Smyrna | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 33 min | 29 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Gaithersburg is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Smyrna.
From a growth perspective, Smyrna 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 | Smyrna | Gaithersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 13,936 | 70,684 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.90% | 0.60% |
| Median Age | 34.3 | 37.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.60% | 3.70% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Smyrna
Advantages
Smyrna is one of the fastest-growing communities in Delaware, indicating strong development and opportunity.
The cost of living in Smyrna is generally lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
The town boasts a quality school district, making it attractive for families.
Smyrna's strategic location provides convenient access to larger job markets in Dover and Wilmington.
The town offers a strong community-focused lifestyle with a walkable downtown and local events.
Drawbacks
Smyrna has a higher crime rate compared to both national and statewide averages, with a worsening crime trajectory.
The town exhibits high car dependency due to a Walk Score of 0.
The average commute time of 33.4 minutes is higher than the national average.
Public transportation options, while available, may have limited frequency and coverage.
Despite growth, the town itself has limited economic opportunities, requiring commutes for many jobs.
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.
Smyrna
#64Delaware, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$52,722
Cost Index
99
Commute
33 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.90%
Unemployment
4.60%
Livability
68
Business
72
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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