Maryland's cost of living index is 118.8 — 18.8% above the US average of 100 (MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026). The index averages the cities that take part in the survey, so it describes those areas rather than the whole state. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
118.8
US avg = 100 · MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026
vs. National Avg
+18.8%
More expensive
Median Income
$102,905
Median household · Census ACS 2024 1-year
Equiv. at US Avg
$86,620
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 118.8 | MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026 — composite, US avg = 100 |
| vs. National | +18.8% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $102,905 | Maryland median — Census ACS 2024 1-year |
| National Purchasing Power | $86,620 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Very High | CalcHub band of the index: Low < 90 ≤ Moderate < 100 ≤ High < 115 ≤ Very High |
| Population | 6,265,347 | Census Bureau estimate, July 1, 2025 |
With a cost of living index of 118.8, Maryland is 19% above the national average. Higher costs in Maryland mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $102,905 in Maryland provides the equivalent purchasing power of $86,620 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Maryland's typical home value of $428,300 is well above the U.S. typical value of $368,700 (Zillow Home Value Index, August 2026). Other factors include state income tax (6.5% top rate in Maryland), sales tax (6% state rate), and property taxes (0.95% effective rate).
