Commute from Hagerstown to Frederick (rent, how much, maintenance)

[nmlmom]

From my research so far, it looks like the difference in rent from Frederick to Hagerstown is appoximately $300 per month.

Both my husband and I work in Frederick. We currently live in Frederick as well, but are looking to possibly move to Hagerstown. We have 2 cars. Would we be spending more in gas to and from Hagerstown?

What is your opinion?

[CHIP72]

If you can carpool, you can save some money.

Hagerstown and Frederick are roughly 25 miles apart, give or take a few miles depending on where you'd live and where your jobs are located. If you know your car's gas mileage and how many days per month you'd work (plus can estimate your additional car maintenance costs), you can get an idea of how much extra money is needed.

I don't exactly know how heavy the commuter traffic on I-70 would be; I suspect it would be moderate because many people travel from Hagerstown and other places beyond that for jobs in the DC area. However, you'd miss the really bad traffic heading south on I-270 from Frederick.

I'll note you should keep in mind that gas prices are not likely to stay where they are at right now. The low prices are a function of a crappy worldwide economy and low demand. Whenever the worldwide economy picks back up, you'll start seeing higher gas prices, though perhaps not as high as summer 2008.

[Merlander]

I concur with Chip's comments. I would make your gas $$$ estimate based on at least $3.50/gal, to be on the safe side.