City Profile
Gaithersburg, Maryland
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Gaithersburg, Maryland, is a vibrant and diverse city located in Montgomery County, northwest of Washington, D.C. It has grown significantly to become one of the largest cities in the state, attracting residents with its strategic location, robust economy, and suburban appeal. The city offers a blend of urban amenities and green spaces, making it an attractive destination for families and professionals alike. Its character is shaped by a diverse population and a strong emphasis on community development and quality of life.
Maryland, known as "America in Miniature," offers a diverse landscape from Atlantic coastlines to the Appalachian Mountains, providing a mix of urban, suburban, and rural lifestyles. The state boasts a robust economy, with major industries including information technology, biotechnology, aerospace and defense, and government, significantly influenced by its proximity to Washington D.C.. Living in Maryland generally entails a higher cost of living compared to the national average, particularly for housing and utilities, though it also features a high median household income. The climate is characterized by humid subtropical conditions with warm, humid summers and moderately cold, occasionally snowy winters, with temperatures varying between the eastern and western regions.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Gaithersburg is notably higher than the national average, primarily driven by elevated housing expenses. As of 2026, the overall cost of living is estimated to be 43% higher than the U.S. national average. Housing costs, in particular, are a significant factor, being approximately 100.1% more expensive than the national average. While food expenses are slightly below the national average for an individual, transportation and utilities also contribute to the higher cost of living, albeit to a lesser extent. These factors necessitate a higher income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in the city.
Income
Salary Insights
Gaithersburg boasts a strong and diversified economy with a notable job market. In 2024, employment in the city grew at a rate of 1.67%. The largest industries by employment include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Public Administration. Major employers and significant presences in the city include Adventist HealthCare, Medimmune, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), AstraZeneca, IBM, and Lockheed Martin. The city's proximity to Washington, D.C., also provides residents with access to a broader range of employment opportunities, including federal government jobs. The average annual salary in Gaithersburg was reported to be around $93,000 as of May 2026.
The average salary in Gaithersburg is $93,000 per year. You would need approximately $106,000 to live comfortably.
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Mobility
Transport
Transportation in Gaithersburg primarily relies on personal vehicles, with most residents driving alone to work. In 2024, 51.6% of workers commuted by driving alone, and the average commute time was 29.4 minutes. While car dependency is medium, the city does offer public transit options, including Ride On bus services and access to the Shady Grove Metro Station, which connects to Washington, D.C. Walkability varies across different areas of the city, with some neighborhoods being more pedestrian-friendly than others. Major highways like I-270 provide regional connectivity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C..
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