Silver Spring vs Rockville: Cost Comparison

Silver Spring, MD vs. Rockville, MD: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)

Silver Spring or Rockville: which DC suburb offers the best value in 2025? Let’s compare the key factors:

• Housing costs: 5% lower in Silver Spring
• Utilities: Similar in both cities
• Groceries: 3% cheaper in Rockville
• Taxes: Property taxes 10% lower in Silver Spring

For many relocating families and professionals, Silver Spring and Rockville top the list of desirable DC suburbs. Both offer an appealing mix of urban amenities and residential charm within an easy commute of the capital. But with the cost of living continuing to rise across the region, deciding where to put down roots often comes down to the budget.

As we look ahead to 2025, let’s dive into a detailed cost comparison to see which city offers the most bang for your buck. We’ll cover everything from housing and utilities to groceries and taxes, highlighting the key differences that can impact your monthly expenses. Whether you’re a young professional seeking an affordable apartment or a growing family in need of more space, this guide will help you make an informed choice between Silver Spring and Rockville.

Housing Costs

Housing is typically the biggest line item in any household budget, and that’s especially true in the competitive DC metro. As of 2025, the median home price in Silver Spring is around $450,000, while Rockville comes in slightly higher at $475,000. For renters, a typical two-bedroom apartment runs about $1,900 per month in Silver Spring compared to $2,000 in Rockville.

Of course, prices can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood and property type. In Silver Spring, you’ll find a mix of older single-family homes, townhouses, and mid-rise apartment complexes, with more affordable options concentrated on the eastern side of the city. Rockville has a higher proportion of newer construction, particularly in the desirable King Farm and Fallsgrove neighborhoods, which tends to command higher prices.

For young professionals and couples, the lower rents in Silver Spring can translate to hundreds in monthly savings, making it an attractive option for those still building their careers. Families, on the other hand, may find Rockville’s newer housing stock and strong school district worth the premium, particularly for those planning to buy.

Overall, Silver Spring comes out ahead on housing costs, with prices trending about 5% lower across the board. For a typical household, that could mean saving $25,000 on a home purchase or $1,200 per year on rent by choosing Silver Spring over Rockville.

Utilities and Energy Costs

Utility costs are roughly comparable between Silver Spring and Rockville, with both cities served by Pepco for electricity and Washington Gas for natural gas. According to recent data, the average monthly energy bill for a 1,000 square foot apartment is around $150 in either city, while a larger single-family home might run closer to $250.

Seasonal variations can impact costs, with summer air conditioning and winter heating adding to the base load. Newer construction tends to be more energy-efficient, which could give Rockville a slight edge, but the difference is minimal. Residents in both cities can take advantage of off-peak pricing and energy-saving programs to help manage costs.

For water, sewer, and trash collection, homeowners in both Silver Spring and Rockville pay around $70-100 per month, depending on usage. Renters may have some or all utilities included in their lease, so be sure to factor that in when comparing properties.

All told, utility costs are essentially a wash between these two cities. Residents can expect to pay around $200-300 per month to keep things running in an average-sized home, with some variation based on age, efficiency, and lifestyle.

Groceries and Daily Expenses

When it comes to feeding the family, Rockville has a slight edge over Silver Spring. Prices at major grocery chains like Giant and Safeway trend about 3% lower in Rockville, thanks in part to lower commercial rents and a wider selection of stores.

For a typical family of four, that could mean spending around $800 per month on groceries in Rockville compared to $825 in Silver Spring. Singles and couples can expect to pay about half that, with some variation based on dietary preferences and shopping habits.

Eating out is similarly affordable in both cities, with a decent selection of casual dining options and ethnic eateries. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant runs about $50-60 in either Silver Spring or Rockville, while a quick bite or carry-out will set you back $10-15 per person.

Coffee shops, bars, and entertainment tend to be pricier in Rockville’s town center area, but the difference is negligible for most budgets. A cappuccino or craft beer might cost fifty cents more, but you’ll find plenty of happy hour specials and discount days in both cities.

Overall, Rockville has a small but meaningful advantage on grocery costs and daily expenses. For a typical household, shopping and dining in Rockville could save $25-50 per month compared to Silver Spring – not a huge difference, but it adds up over time.

Taxes and Fees

Maryland is known for its relatively high tax rates, and Montgomery County is no exception. But there are some notable differences between Silver Spring and Rockville when it comes to the local tax burden.

The biggest factor is property taxes, which are based on assessed home values. Silver Spring residents pay an average effective rate of 0.99%, while Rockville homeowners pay 1.10%. On a $500,000 house, that’s a difference of $550 per year in favor of Silver Spring.

Income taxes are identical across Montgomery County, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75% depending on income level. Both cities also charge a 1% add-on to the state’s 6% sales tax, for a total of 7% on most purchases.

Other taxes and fees can add up, particularly for homeowners. Both Silver Spring and Rockville charge around $400 annually for trash collection and stormwater management, plus a few hundred more for other municipal services. HOA and condo fees are also common in both cities, running anywhere from $100 to $1,000+ per month depending on the community and amenities.

Renters can expect to pay much less in taxes overall, since property taxes are typically built into the lease. But it’s still important to factor in sales and income taxes when budgeting for life in Montgomery County.

When it comes to the total tax bite, Silver Spring has the advantage for homeowners, while renters will see less of a difference between the two cities. But with higher home values in Rockville, the tax gap can be significant for those looking to buy.

Cost Summary Table

These estimates reflect 2025 costs for a mid-size household (2-bedroom apartment or 3-bedroom home) using published national data and regional benchmarks. Actual expenses will vary with household size, lifestyle, and neighborhood.

As the table shows, a typical family can expect to spend around $4,250 per month living in Silver Spring, compared to $4,375 in Rockville. That’s a difference of $125 per month or $1,500 per year, with housing and taxes accounting for most of the gap.

Of course, these are just averages, and individual circumstances will vary. A single person renting a studio apartment will have a much lower cost of living than a family of five in a large house. And while Silver Spring comes out ahead on paper, the actual monthly difference may be negligible for many households.

Lifestyle Fit

While costs are certainly important, they’re not the only factor to consider when choosing between Silver Spring and Rockville. Each city has its own unique character and amenities that will appeal to different lifestyles and preferences.

Silver Spring is known for its vibrant downtown area, with a diverse mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. The city has a more urban feel than Rockville, with a greater emphasis on walkability and public transit. In fact, Silver Spring scores a 79 on WalkScore, compared to just 59 for Rockville. For those who value a car-free lifestyle, Silver Spring may be the better fit.

Rockville, on the other hand, has a more suburban vibe, with larger homes, wider streets, and more green space. The city is home to several top-rated parks and recreation areas, including the 153-acre Rockville Civic Center Park. Families will appreciate the strong public school system, with Rockville High School consistently ranking among the best in the state.

Both cities offer relatively easy access to DC, with multiple Metro stations and bus routes. But Rockville has a slight edge when it comes to commuting, with the Red Line providing direct service to downtown DC in about 40 minutes. Silver Spring commuters may need to transfer to the Green or Yellow Line, adding a few minutes to the trip.

Ultimately, the choice between Silver Spring and Rockville comes down to personal priorities and lifestyle preferences. Those who value walkability, diversity, and a more urban atmosphere may prefer Silver Spring, while families and suburbanites may find Rockville more appealing. But with just a few miles separating these two cities, it’s easy to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Silver Spring more affordable than Rockville in 2025?
Yes, Silver Spring is generally more affordable than Rockville, with lower housing costs and property taxes. However, the difference in monthly expenses may be relatively small for many households.

Are rental prices lower in Silver Spring or Rockville?
Rental prices are typically 5-10% lower in Silver Spring compared to Rockville, with a typical 2-bedroom apartment costing around $1,900 per month in Silver Spring versus $2,000 in Rockville.

How do grocery costs compare between Silver Spring and Rockville?
Grocery prices are about 3% lower in Rockville than in Silver Spring, thanks to a wider selection of stores and lower commercial rents. A family of four can expect to spend around $800 per month on groceries in Rockville, compared to $825 in Silver Spring.

Are property taxes higher in Rockville than in Silver Spring?
Yes, property taxes are higher in Rockville, with an average effective rate of 1.10% compared to 0.99% in Silver Spring. For a $500,000 home, that translates to an extra $550 per year in taxes for Rockville homeowners.

What is the average monthly cost of living for a family of four in Silver Spring vs. Rockville?
According to recent estimates, a family of four can expect to spend around $4,250 per month on housing, food, transportation, and other essentials in Silver Spring. The same family would spend about $4,375 per month in Rockville, with housing and taxes accounting for most of the difference.

Conclusion

When it comes to the cost of living, Silver Spring has a slight edge over Rockville, with lower housing costs, property taxes, and a more affordable overall lifestyle. For a typical family, choosing Silver Spring over Rockville could mean saving $100-200 per month on expenses, which can add up to thousands over the course of a year.

But cost is just one factor to consider when deciding where to call home. Rockville offers a more suburban lifestyle, with excellent schools, ample green space, and easy access to DC via the Metro Red Line. Silver Spring, meanwhile, has a more urban vibe, with a walkable downtown, diverse dining and entertainment options, and a slightly lower price point.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual priorities and preferences. Whether you’re a young professional looking for an affordable apartment near the action or a growing family in need of more space and top-rated schools, both Silver Spring and Rockville have plenty to offer. By weighing the costs and benefits of each city, you can make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025 and beyond.

For more information on the cost of living in Silver Spring and Rockville, check out these helpful resources:

• Average Monthly Expenses in Silver Spring, MD — covers monthly expenses, budget planning, cost breakdown
• Cost of Living in Silver Spring – Housing, Groceries, Taxes & More — covers overall living costs, budgets, expenses
• Pods vs trucks: which move is best for you? — covers moving companies, costs, and logistics