Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Gaithersburg, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 28.5% cheaper than Gaithersburg, MD. This translates to saving $2141 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Gaithersburg, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Gaithersburg, MD, you'd need approximately $124,308.415 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Gaithersburg, MD and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 47.5% cheaper than in Gaithersburg, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,728/month in Gaithersburg, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Gaithersburg, MD to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Gaithersburg, MD to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2141 per month, or $25692 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Gaithersburg, MD vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Gaithersburg, MD — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Washington, DC area

Current salary in Gaithersburg, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.3K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,141

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Gaithersburg, MD

Population:70K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$428K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:71

Median Home:$414K

Gaithersburg, MD

The Old Line State

70K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 70K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Gaithersburg, MD vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Gaithersburg, MD	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,311/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $2,523less	47.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,791/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $302less	16.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,052/mo	$963/mo	↓ $88.69less	8.4%
⚡All Utilities	$495/mo	$561/mo	↑ $65.82more	13.3%
📦Other	$1,734/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $56.43less	3.3%
🏥Healthcare	$616/mo	$589/mo	↓ $27.43less	4.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 47.5%

Gaithersburg, MD

$5,311

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$2,523

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.9%

Gaithersburg, MD

$1,791

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$302

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.4%

Gaithersburg, MD

$1,052

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$88.69

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.3%

Gaithersburg, MD

$495

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$65.82

📦Other

↓ 3.3%

Gaithersburg, MD

$1,734

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$56.43

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.5%

Gaithersburg, MD

$616

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$27.43

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,502

To$1,390

↓ $112

1 Bed

From$1,551

To$1,510

↓ $41.00

2 Bed

From$1,728

To$1,750

↑ $22.00

3 Bed

From$2,185

To$2,330

↑ $145

Gaithersburg, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,870–$1,970/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,000

Monthly in Gaithersburg, MD

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$2,932

Difference

Home Values

Gaithersburg

Phoenix

$428K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +22.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$384K - $472K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 3% less expensive than Gaithersburg

Calculate payment - Gaithersburg Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$169

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Gaithersburg, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Gaithersburg, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.