Cost of Living in Maryland
Overall index: 117.4 — ranked #7 of 51 (above average cost).
Where your money goes in Maryland
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Maryland
Estimated annual spending: $77,855($2,855 over budget)
What things cost in Maryland
| Item | Maryland | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $420,000 | $360,000 | +$60,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,978/mo | $1,400/mo | +$578 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.50/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.00 |
| Electric bill | $133/mo | $137/mo | $4 |
| Infant childcare | $18,946/yr | $13,500/yr | +$5,446 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.22 | $4.95 | +$0.27 |
| Monthly groceries | $432/mo | $410/mo | +$22 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Maryland vs national average
What a salary in Maryland is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $58,700 | +$8,700 |
| $75,000 | $88,050 | +$13,050 |
| $100,000 | $117,400 | +$17,400 |
| $125,000 | $146,750 | +$21,750 |
| $150,000 | $176,100 | +$26,100 |
| $200,000 | $234,800 | +$34,800 |
Positive difference means you need to earn more in Maryland to match national-average purchasing power.
Compare Maryland with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Maryland?
Maryland has an overall cost-of-living index of 117.4, making it above average cost (ranked #7 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $420,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,978/month.
Is Maryland expensive to live in?
Yes, Maryland is more expensive than the national average with an overall index of 117.4 (average = 100). Housing costs are especially high at 141.3% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in Maryland?
The median home price in Maryland is $420,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,978/month. Maryland's housing index is 141.3 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 41.30000000000001% above the national average.
How much are groceries in Maryland?
Maryland's grocery index is 105.4 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $5.22 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $432, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Maryland?
The average monthly electric bill in Maryland is $133 based on the state's residential rate of 15.04¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Maryland?
Center-based infant childcare in Maryland averages $18,946/year ($1,579/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Maryland?
A $75,000 salary in Maryland has the same purchasing power as $63,884 at the national average cost of living. Because Maryland is above average in cost, you may need a higher salary to maintain the same lifestyle. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Maryland Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Maryland taxes
- House Affordability in Maryland — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Maryland take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.