Cost of Living in Maryland Cities: These Are the Top 5

Updated On October 6, 2023
Maryland Baltimore downtown

Maryland is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

It has played an enormous part in the history of America, during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

Another thing why Maryland is such a famous state is for its state parks, beaches, mountains, and even tasty food.

There is no doubt that this Free State (as someone says) is a great state to visit.

But, what is the cost of living in Maryland?

And, moreover, which cities in this beautiful Indian state are the most expensive for a living?

Are you willing to know the answers to these questions?

If yes, then keep reading this text till the end.

Cost of Living in Maryland

First of all, we have to say that living in Maryland is pretty much expensive.

Or, to clarify things, food and services in Maryland cost 8.4% more than they do on average nationwide.

Compared with all other states in the country, Maryland has the sixth overall cost of living.

While this state is home to five metropolitan areas, the most expensive is the BaltimoreColumbia-Towson metro area.

Here, the cost of goods and services is 6.9% higher than the national average.

With this in mind, it is necessary to mention the higher utility costs in this state than the national average.

For instance, the average monthly utility bill cost in Maryland is $151.16.

Housing Costs

Maryland, known as a beautiful American state, has an expensive home market.

The average home value here is higher than the U.S. national average, sitting at $349,432.

Also, such as for other states, housing prices can vary from city to city.

Accordingly, the median home value in Rockville is $615,555, while in Baltimore, the median home value is $159,050.

On the other hand, rent prices are also above the U.S. average.

The monthly rent for a one-bedroom in the state is $1,102, while the typical rent for a unit with four or more bedrooms is $2,000.

Transportation Costs

Transportation is one of the chief factors in the cost of living in Maryland.

In Maryland, there is very well-organized transportation.

One of the best and most preferred ways to travel in the state is getting a monthly pass.

There are many variations for transport passes, from a monthly pass, weekly pass, or one-day pass.

In that matter, a 31-day monthly pass will cost you $77.00.

Also, you have a much more expensive variant – Express BusLink, which 31-Day Express pass will cost you above $95.00.

A one-day pass will cost you $4.40, while a weekly – is $21.00.

Car insurance cost is also a notable factor that directly influences the entire transportation cost.

Therefore, the cost of living in Maryland is also affected by this.

The average annual premium for car insurance coverage is around $1,546.

Food Costs

Food, as an everyday expense, is one of the most influential parts that affect our budget.

The cost of food in Maryland varies depending on the city.

For example, there can be different food costs in Baltimore and Rockville.

Have we mentioned that Maryland is also famous for the best seafood in the country?

This state is known for its tasty seafood, especially crabs.

The state produces more blue crabs and soft clams than any other state in America.

So, it was supposed that the restaurant prices in this state would grow.

The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State

Here, in the text below, are the top five expensive cities in Maryland.

Annapolis

Annapolis is Maryland’s capital city.

This city is an attractive place to visit and a good living place.

But, living in this city is not so cheap.

In fact, the cost of living in Annapolis is higher than in many other cities in Maryland.

For example, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1,800.00.

The monthly pass for local transport is more than $80, and a one-way bus ticket is nearly $4.

On the other side, if you are a seafood lover, then you better have much more money to sit in a restaurant.

For one meal in an inexpensive restaurant, you can expect to pay more than $20.00.

Meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant is almost $70.00.

Baltimore

Baltimore is very famous for its beautiful and culinary artistic renaissance.

In this city, you can check out the National Aquarium, which is very popular.

But then again, here is the question – what are the costs of living in this city?

So, to start with the National Aquarium – the regular price for adults is around $40, while children from 3 to 11 years old get in for $25.

As for home and rental prices, we have to say that this city has valuable prices.

The average sale price of homes in Baltimore is $444,780, while the average two-bedroom apartment for rent is $1,755.

Moreover, the prices for food in supermarkets are overpriced too.

At this point, here are specific prices for essential groceries.

А bread in the supermarket is $4.56, a dozen eggs $1.82, and a gallon of milk is $2.39.

A meal for two at a full-service restaurant averages around $70, whereas in nearby Washington, D.C., or New York, a similar meal would cost between $90 and $110.

Columbia

The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is $1,571, while a one-bedroom apartment outside the center is around $1,320.

In this city, transportation costs are the most expensive, while the prices for food in the supermarket are much low-cost than in Baltimore.

For instance, a one-way ticket for local transport is $2, and a monthly Pass is $90.

On the other side, one-liter milk in the supermarket is less than $1, a loaf of fresh white bread (500g) is $3.03 and eggs (regular 12) is around $2.

These prices are not so pricey compared to other cities in this state.

Germantown

In Germantown, the cost of living is 41% higher than the national average.

This city has higher housing expenses, higher transportation expenses, and furthermore, has higher grocery prices than the national average.

The median rent is $2,277 per month, a gallon of gas is about $2.76, and an energy bill per month is $167.83.

While all of these costs are higher than the national average, we have to notice that healthcare in Germantown is 6% lower than the national average.

That means that a doctor’s visit in this city can cost you less than $100, and a dentist’s visit is only $80.

Waldorf

This city is also considered an expensive city for living in, compared to other cities in this state.

The prices are almost the same as previously mentioned before.

But, it has plenty of fascinating things to do and visit here.

So, do not let the high standard of prices affect your decision to visit this beautiful city.

Maryland Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Maryland Safety Review

Safety Index:
65
Maryland
  • OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
  • TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
  • PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
  • NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
  • MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
  • TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
  • SCAMS RISK: HIGH
  • WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

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