Fort Washington, MD vs Towson, MD
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Towson is 25.5% cheaper than Fort Washington. With a cost index of 127 vs 159, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Towson to Fort Washington should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Fort Washington is $2,724/month compared to $1,784/month in Towson — a 53% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Towson is more affordable at $445,100 median vs $464,300.
Median household income in Fort Washington is $145,942 compared to $100,481 in Towson (+45.2%). While Fort Washington is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Washington spend roughly 22.4% of their income on rent, more than the 21.3% in Towson.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (59.3°F vs 59.1°F). Towson receives more rainfall at 43.7" per year compared to 41.8" in Fort Washington.
Income & Cost
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)