Cost of Living for Maryland (2026)
Maryland (MD) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
113
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$87,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$1,350/month
State Income Tax Rate
5.75%
How This Calculator Works in Maryland
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between Maryland and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses Maryland's cost of living index of 113 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
Maryland Overview
Maryland has a cost of living index of 113, where 100 represents the national average. The DC suburbs in Maryland drive the state's cost of living well above the national average. Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore are significantly more affordable. The median household income is $87,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $76,991 in an average-cost location.
How Maryland Compares
Maryland's cost of living index of 113 compares to Virginia's 104 and Pennsylvania's 98. Residents in Maryland generally need higher incomes to maintain the same standard of living as those in more affordable states. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 35% less than Maryland, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 70% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | COL Index: 104 | Virginia has a cost of living index of 104 and a median household income of $80,000. It is more affordable than Maryland. |
| Pennsylvania | COL Index: 98 | Pennsylvania has a cost of living index of 98 and a median household income of $67,000. It is more affordable than Maryland. |
| Delaware | COL Index: 103 | Delaware has a cost of living index of 103 and a median household income of $70,000. It is more affordable than Maryland. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. Maryland's index of 113 is above the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. Maryland's median household income of $87,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for Maryland Residents
- 1The DC suburbs in Maryland drive the state's cost of living well above the national average. Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore are significantly more affordable.
- 2Maryland's median household income of $87,000 has a real purchasing power of about $76,991 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3Maryland's top state income tax rate of 5.75% further reduces purchasing power beyond what the cost of living index alone shows. Factor in taxes when making state-to-state comparisons.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within Maryland between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.