Chevy Chase, MD vs Fairwood, MD

The cost of living difference between Chevy Chase, MD and Fairwood, MD is dramatic. Fairwood is 40% cheaper than Chevy Chase, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chevy Chase has a cost index of 282 while Fairwood sits at 202, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Chevy Chase is $3,501/month compared to $3,501/month in Fairwood — a 0% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairwood is more affordable at $695,300 median vs $1,678,700.

Median household income in Chevy Chase is $250,001 compared to $191,319 in Fairwood (+30.7%). The higher salaries in Chevy Chase partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Chevy Chase spend roughly 16.8% of their income on rent, less than the 22% in Fairwood.

Climate-wise, Chevy Chase is notably warmer with an average of 59.3°F compared to 56.2°F in Fairwood. Fairwood receives more rainfall at 45" per year compared to 41.8" in Chevy Chase.