Is it cheaper to live in Frederick or New York City?

Frederick, MD is cheaper. Its monthly baseline of $1,640 (1BR rent + utilities) runs about 18% below New York City, NY's $2,010, mainly because of rent.

How much more do you need to earn to live in Frederick than in New York City?

To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, you'd want to earn roughly $57,000 a year in Frederick versus $68,000 in New York City.

Which has lower taxes, Frederick or New York City?

Frederick is taxed under Maryland's rules (a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax); New York City under New York's (a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax).

Frederick vs New York City Cost of Living 2026

Frederick

Maryland

$1,640/mo est.

New York City

New York

$2,010/mo est.

Monthly estimate = 1BR rent + electricity + gas

A one-person monthly baseline (1BR rent plus typical utilities) runs $1,640 in Frederick, MD versus $2,010 in New York City, NY. Overall, Frederick, MD is roughly 18% cheaper to live in day-to-day than New York City, NY, driven mainly by rent.

Median household income is $95,150 in Frederick, MD and $79,713 in New York City, NY — about 16% higher in Frederick, MD. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax; New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.

Frederick, MD

New York City, NY

Rent

Studio

$1,658

$1,633

+2% in Frederick, MD

1 Bedroom

$1,418

$1,705

+20% in New York City, NY

2 Bedroom

$1,661

$1,781

+7% in New York City, NY

3 Bedroom

$1,863

$2,065

+11% in New York City, NY

Buying a Home

Median Home Value

$365,200

$751,700

+106% in New York City, NY

Income

Median Household Income

$95,150

$79,713

+16% in Frederick, MD

Metro Median Wage (annual)

$71,060

$61,430

+14% in Frederick, MD

People & Lifestyle

Median Age

37.1 yr

38.0 yr

+0.9 yr in New York City, NY

Homeownership

59.2%

32.8%

+26.4 pp in Frederick, MD

Bachelor's+ (25+)

41.8%

41.0%

+0.8 pp in Frederick, MD

Avg Commute

30.1 min

40.6 min

+10.5 min in New York City, NY

Crime (per 100k/yr)

Violent Crime

406

694

+71% in New York City, NY

Property Crime

1,696.3

2,415.4

+42% in New York City, NY

FBI Crime Data Explorer. Offenses per 100,000 residents per year; agency reporting practices vary, so this is approximate.

Climate

Avg Annual Temperature

52.1°F

55.0°F

+2.9°F in New York City, NY

Annual Precipitation

—

49.9 in

Gas

Regular Gasoline

$3.86/gal

$3.95/gal

+2% in New York City, NY

Area: East Coast (PADD 1) vs New York City.

Public Transit

Base Fare (one-way)

—

$3.00

Adult base one-way fare — — vs MTA (2026).

Utilities

Electricity (¢/kWh)

21.8

29.9

+37% in New York City, NY

Natural Gas ($/MCF)

$18.94

$22.74

+20% in New York City, NY

Residential, state-level averages (EIA). MCF = 1,000 cubic feet.

Groceries

Milk (gal)

$4.00

$4.31

+8% in New York City, NY

Bread (lb)

$1.75

$1.92

+10% in New York City, NY

Eggs (doz)

$2.21

$2.19

+1% in Frederick, MD

Ground Beef (lb)

$6.45

$6.90

+7% in New York City, NY

Chicken (lb)

$1.90

$2.19

+15% in New York City, NY

Bananas (lb)

$0.62

$0.69

+12% in New York City, NY

Average prices — South vs Northeast (BLS). Regional where available, otherwise U.S. average.

State Taxes

Sales Tax (MD / NY)

+2.0 pp in MD

Income Tax (top rate)

6.50%

10.90%

+4.4 pp in NY

Frederick vs New York City — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Frederick or New York City?: Frederick, MD is cheaper. Its monthly baseline of $1,640 (1BR rent + utilities) runs about 18% below New York City, NY's $2,010, mainly because of rent.
How much more do you need to earn to live in Frederick than in New York City?: To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, you'd want to earn roughly $57,000 a year in Frederick versus $68,000 in New York City.
Which has lower taxes, Frederick or New York City?: Frederick is taxed under Maryland's rules (a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax); New York City under New York's (a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax).

Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year (rent, income, home value, demographics); NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010 (climate); EIA weekly retail (gas); Tax Foundation 2026 (state taxes).