Cost of Living in Adelphi, MD

With a cost of living index of 125, Adelphi, MD is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 25% more expensive than the national average and 5% above the Maryland state average of 119. Adelphi is a smaller community of 17,210 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Adelphi's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,757 (33% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $401,700 (32% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Adelphi is $80,833, which is 8% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Adelphi. The area sees an average annual temperature of 59.3°F, with summers averaging 79°F and winters around 40°F. Annual rainfall totals 41.8 inches spread over roughly 118 days.

Everyday prices in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.