Laurel, MD vs Silver Spring, MD

Laurel is moderately more affordable than Silver Spring, with a 14.5% lower cost of living index. Laurel scores 125 compared to 147 for Silver Spring, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Silver Spring can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Laurel is $1,878/month compared to $1,899/month in Silver Spring — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Laurel is more affordable at $367,300 median vs $619,400.

Median household income in Laurel is $94,063 compared to $98,880 in Silver Spring (-4.9%). Silver Spring does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Laurel spend roughly 24% of their income on rent, more than the 23% in Silver Spring.

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