Silver Spring is considered moderately priced in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,650 per month. Overall living costs including housing, groceries, utilities, and taxes are slightly above the national average.
Housing Costs in Silver Spring
Housing is the biggest expense for most Silver Spring residents. In 2025, the typical rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $1,650 per month. Buying a 3-bedroom home costs a median of $425,000, up 5% from the previous year.
Neighborhoods closer to downtown Silver Spring and the Metro tend to have higher housing costs but offer more walkability and shorter commutes. Further out, prices dip but many homes are part of HOAs with additional monthly fees of $200-400.
| Neighborhood | 2BR Rent | 3BR Home Price |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Silver Spring | $1,800 | $475,000 |
| Kemp Mill | $1,550 | $400,000 |
| Typical Range | $1,500 – $1,800 | $375,000 – $450,000 |
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Silver Spring are moderate, averaging $180 per month for a 1,000 sq ft apartment. This includes electricity, natural gas, water, and trash. Expect higher electric bills in the summer months due to air conditioning needs.
Many newer apartment buildings include some utilities in the rent, so always clarify what’s covered. Older homes may have higher utility costs due to less efficient systems and insulation.
| Utility | Avg Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $90 |
| Natural Gas | $40 |
| Water + Trash | $50 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs in Silver Spring are slightly higher than the national average. Expect to spend around $400 per month on groceries for a single adult, or $700-800 for a couple. Shopping at local markets and buying generic brands can help trim the bill.
Here’s what a typical grocery basket might cost:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 gal) | $4.00 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.50 |
| Chicken (lb) | $4.50 |
| Beef (lb) | $6.00 |
| Rice (5 lb) | $6.00 |
| Produce (avg) | $3.00 |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $8.00 |
Dining out is a popular option, with many restaurants and cuisines available. A typical meal out costs $20-25 per person. Cooking most meals at home is more economical, with dining out reserved for special occasions.
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Maryland’s property tax rate is 0.87%, slightly below the national average of 1.07%. For a $400,000 home in Silver Spring, annual property taxes would be around $3,480 or $290 per month.
The sales tax rate in Montgomery County is 6%, which applies to most goods and services. Some additional expenses Silver Spring residents should budget for include:
- HOA fees: $200-400/month in many neighborhoods
- Vehicle registration fees: $135-187 per vehicle annually
- Parking permits: $20-40 annually in some areas
- Rental application fees: $25-50 per adult applicant
Monthly Budget Summary
So what does it really cost to live comfortably in Silver Spring? Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for three household types:
| Expense | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,300 | $1,650 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $150 | $180 | $250 |
| Groceries | $400 | $750 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $500 |
| Taxes/Fees | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Miscellaneous | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Total | $2,650 | $3,780 | $5,250 |
Methodology: These 2025 estimates for Silver Spring draw on publicly available national and regional sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED). Where city-specific figures are unavailable, safe regional ranges are applied (e.g., typical 2BR rents, grocery costs per adult). All amounts are expressed as gross monthly income (pre-tax) and rounded to whole dollars. Actual expenses vary by household size, lifestyle, and neighborhood choice.
Lifestyle Considerations
Silver Spring offers a mix of urban amenities and suburban comfort, attracting many young professionals and families. The average commute time is 34 minutes, with many residents taking the Metro into Washington D.C. for work.
Housing costs are the biggest factor in most budgets. Choosing a home or apartment closer to downtown provides more convenience and shorter commutes, but comes with higher rents or purchase prices. Further out, prices dip but many homes have HOA fees to factor in.
Overall, Silver Spring provides a relatively high quality of life, with ample parks, dining and entertainment options, and good schools. Costs may be higher than some outlying areas, but are more affordable than central D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Silver Spring more affordable than Washington D.C. in 2025?
Yes, Silver Spring tends to be more affordable than central D.C., with lower housing costs and taxes. However, it is still more expensive than further-out suburbs in Maryland or Virginia.
What is a realistic monthly budget for a couple in Silver Spring?
A couple can live comfortably in Silver Spring on a gross monthly income of around $3,800. This covers a 2-bedroom apartment, utilities, groceries, and moderate extras. See our 2025 moving company picks for help relocating.
Do utilities cost more in Silver Spring than other D.C. suburbs?
Utility costs in Silver Spring are fairly typical for the region, averaging $180 per month. Costs may be slightly higher than outer suburbs due to the density of apartments and homes.
How much does a family of four spend on groceries in Silver Spring per month?
A family of four in Silver Spring typically spends $1,100 or more on groceries each month. Shopping at discount stores and buying store brands can help manage costs.
Are property taxes higher in Silver Spring than other parts of Maryland?
Property taxes in Silver Spring are set by Montgomery County. The 0.87% rate is slightly lower than Maryland’s average of 1.06%. However, with higher home values in Silver Spring, actual tax bills may be higher than other parts of the state.