Cost of Living in Maryland

Maryland has a cost of living index of 119, making it 19% more expensive than the national average. The statewide median household income is $108,228 (44% above the US median of $75,149). Across 464 cities tracked in Maryland, costs vary widely depending on location, proximity to metro areas, and local housing markets.

Housing drives most of the variation. The average median rent across Maryland cities is $1,710/mo (30% above the national median of $1,319), and the average median home value is $411,686 (35% above the national figure of $304,900). There is a 173-point spread between the most affordable city, Cumberland (index 68), and the most expensive, Travilah (index 241) — an enormous range that reflects dramatic differences in housing markets within the state.

While Maryland is expensive, the higher median income partially offsets these costs. Prospective residents should evaluate specific cities, since some areas within the state are significantly more affordable than others.

The largest cities in Maryland by population are Baltimore (index 93, pop. 577,193), Columbia (index 136, pop. 105,871), Germantown (index 131, pop. 90,521), Waldorf (index 129, pop. 82,541), and Silver Spring (index 147, pop. 82,129). Cost of living varies considerably even among these major population centers, highlighting the importance of comparing individual cities rather than relying on the state average alone.

Data: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow, HUD, BEA Regional Price Parities. Updated monthly.