Maryland's cost of living index is 129 — 29.0% above the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
129
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
+29.0%
More expensive
Median Income
$90,203
Maryland median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$69,925
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 129 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | +29.0% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $90,203 | Maryland median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $69,925 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | High | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 6,177,224 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 129, Maryland is 29% above the national average. Higher costs in Maryland mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $90,203 in Maryland provides the equivalent purchasing power of $69,925 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Maryland's median home price of $390,000 is near the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (5.75% top rate in Maryland), sales tax (6.00% state rate), and local property tax rates (1.09%).
