Ferndale, MD vs Marlow Heights, MD

Ferndale, MD and Marlow Heights, MD have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3% difference in their overall index. Ferndale scores 115 while Marlow Heights scores 118 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ferndale is $1,708/month compared to $1,638/month in Marlow Heights — a 4% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Marlow Heights has cheaper rent, Ferndale actually has lower median home values ($325,400 vs $366,700).

Median household income in Ferndale is $92,391 compared to $58,268 in Marlow Heights (+58.6%). Ferndale offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Ferndale spend roughly 22.2% of their income on rent, less than the 33.7% in Marlow Heights. The Ferndale ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

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