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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Maryland: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

5.0% above

Cost of living in Maryland is 5.0% above the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for Maryland (index 105.0; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Maryland is $1,721 a month.

Cost of living in Maryland by category

Overall prices

105.0U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

+5.0% vs. U.S.

Goods
102.5 +2.5%
Housing (rents)
121.1 +21.1%
Utilities
110.9 +10.9%
Other services
101.6 +1.6%

BEA 2024 · Maryland Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,721/mo

Median gross rent

+16% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,470 +13% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,758 +18% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,980 +18% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$436,300 +21% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$2,389 +17% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$209/mo

Average electric bill

+33% vs. U.S.

Electricity price
21.4¢/kWh +17% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$19.40/Mcf About the same as U.S.
Utilities price index
110.9

EIA July 2026 · Maryland Details: Utilities

Transportation

32.3min

Mean travel time to work

+19% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
66.4%
Work from home
15.6%
Gasoline (PADD 1B avg.)
$4.37/gal About the same as U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$254/wk

Center care, infant

+47% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$175/wk +14% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$175/wk +22% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$177/wk +23% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Maryland county median Details: Child care

Income

$102,905/yr

Median household income

+26% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
20%
Home value to income
4.2×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Maryland

Median gross rent in Maryland is $1,721 a month, 16% above the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,500–$1,999 range, which holds 30.3% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 33% pay $2,000 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $436,300, and 6.5% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Maryland vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Maryland: $1,721; U.S.: $1,487 Maryland $1,721 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Maryland: $2,389; U.S.: $2,035 Maryland $2,389 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Maryland: $436,300; U.S.: $360,600 Maryland $436,300 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureMarylandU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,721$1,487
Monthly owner costs$2,389$2,035
Median home value$436,300$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in Maryland

What renters pay in Maryland Share of renter households paying cash rent in Maryland by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 5.5%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 3.6%. Median $1,721. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Less than $500: 5.5% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 3.8% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 5.3% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 9.1% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 13% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 30.3% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 17.8% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 8.4% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 3.2% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 3.6% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,721 (Maryland) 30.3%
Show the data table
RangeMarylandU.S.
Less than $5005.5%6.1%
$500–$7493.8%6.8%
$750–$9995.3%11.5%
$1,000–$1,2499.1%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49913%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99930.3%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49917.8%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9998.4%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4993.2%3.2%
$3,500 or more3.6%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in Maryland

Home values in Maryland Share of owner-occupied homes in Maryland by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 4.7%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 2.6%. Median $436,300. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $100,000: 4.7% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 2.3% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 3.8% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 6.6% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 7.5% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 18.8% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 17.2% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 23.6% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 9% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 3.9% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 2.6% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $436,300 (Maryland) 23.6%
Show the data table
RangeMarylandU.S.
Less than $100,0004.7%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9992.3%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9993.8%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9996.6%8.4%
$250,000–$299,9997.5%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99918.8%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99917.2%12%
$500,000–$749,99923.6%16.3%
$750,000–$999,9999%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9993.9%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more2.6%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Maryland

Measure Maryland U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,721$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,470$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,758$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,980$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $2,389$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Maryland?

At the median, rent takes about 20% of household income in Maryland. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $68,800 a year.

The median home is worth $436,300, or 4.2 times the median household income.

Household income in Maryland

The median household in Maryland earns $102,905 a year, 26% above the U.S. median of $81,604. About 20.8% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 11.3% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Maryland vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Maryland: $102,905; U.S.: $81,604 Maryland $102,905 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureMarylandU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$102,905$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Maryland

Household income distribution in Maryland Share of households in Maryland by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 4.7%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 20.8%. Median $102,905. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $10,000: 4.7% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 2.3% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 1.9% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2.3% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 2.7% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 2.7% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 5% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 7.9% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 11.6% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 10.6% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 7.9% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 12.5% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 20.8% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $102,905 (Maryland) 20.8%
Show the data table
RangeMarylandU.S.
Less than $10,0004.7%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9992.3%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9991.9%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9992.4%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992.3%3%
$30,000–$34,9992.4%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9992.4%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9992.7%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9992.7%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9995%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9997.9%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99911.6%12.6%
$100,000–$124,99910.6%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9997.9%7.4%
$150,000–$199,99912.5%9.7%
$200,000 or more20.8%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Maryland U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $102,905$81,604
Median home value $436,300$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, Maryland scored 105.0 for all items. The highest category is housing rents at 121.1; the lowest is other services at 101.6.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Maryland: 105.0; U.S.: 100.0 Maryland 105.0 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Maryland: 102.5; U.S.: 99.6 Maryland 102.5 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Maryland: 121.1; U.S.: 100.6 Maryland 121.1 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Maryland: 110.9; U.S.: 98.4 Maryland 110.9 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Maryland: 101.6; U.S.: 100.1 Maryland 101.6 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureMarylandU.S.
All items105.0100.0
Goods102.599.6
Housing (rents)121.1100.6
Utilities110.998.4
Other services101.6100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Maryland paid an average of 21.4¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $209 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $19.40 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices: Maryland vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Maryland: 21.4¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Maryland 21.4¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Maryland: $209; U.S.: $157 Maryland $209 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) Maryland: $19.40; U.S.: $19.40 Maryland $19.40 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureMarylandU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)21.4¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$209$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$19.40$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Maryland who commute spend an average of 32.3 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (66.4% of workers); 15.6% work from home. Gasoline in the Central Atlantic region (PADD 1B), which includes Maryland, averaged $4.37 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate Maryland price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work Maryland: Drove alone 66.4%, Carpooled 8.7%, Public transit 5%, Walked 2.3%, Bicycle 0.3%, Worked from home 15.6%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in Maryland: Drove alone. Maryland Maryland · Drove alone: 66.4% 66.4% Maryland · Carpooled: 8.7% Maryland · Public transit: 5% Maryland · Walked: 2.3% Maryland · Bicycle: 0.3% Maryland · Worked from home: 15.6% 15.6% Maryland · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationMarylandU.S.
Drove alone66.4%69.2%
Carpooled8.7%9.2%
Public transit5%3.7%
Walked2.3%2.4%
Bicycle0.3%0.5%
Worked from home15.6%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)1.7%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in Maryland

Travel time to work in Maryland Share of workers who do not work from home in Maryland by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 1.7%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 4.1%. Mean 32.3 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than 5 min: 1.7% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 6.3% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 9.8% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 12.5% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 12.5% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 6.7% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 14.6% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 3.8% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 5.5% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 12.1% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 10.3% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 4.1% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 32.3 min (Maryland) 14.6%
Show the data table
RangeMarylandU.S.
Less than 5 min1.7%2.8%
5–9 min6.3%9.4%
10–14 min9.8%13.1%
15–19 min12.5%15%
20–24 min12.5%14.1%
25–29 min6.7%7%
30–34 min14.6%13.7%
35–39 min3.8%3.4%
40–44 min5.5%4.1%
45–59 min12.1%8.3%
60–89 min10.3%6.3%
90 min or more4.1%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Maryland

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $254 a week in the median Maryland county, or $13,231 over 52 weeks. That is 47% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care Maryland (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $254$174
Center-based care, toddler $175$153
Center-based care, preschool $175$144
Center-based care, school-age $163$120
Home-based family care, infant $177$143
Home-based family care, toddler $156$132
Home-based family care, preschool $156$131
Home-based family care, school-age $129$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than Maryland prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Maryland?

Median rent is $1,470 for a one-bedroom and $1,758 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Maryland?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 14.6% pay less than $1,000 a month, 52.4% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 33% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in Maryland?

To keep the median rent of $1,721 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $68,800 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Maryland more expensive than the U.S. average?

Yes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in Maryland at 105.0 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 5.0% above average. Housing rents score 121.1.

How long is the average commute in Maryland?

32.3 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Maryland?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $254 a week in the median Maryland county in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.