Maryland Cost of Living Calculator
Maryland scores 118.8 on the C2ER cost of living index (housing 144.1, Q2 2026): $75,000 at the U.S. average equals about $89,100 here; its highest part is housing at 144.1.
| Index | Maryland |
|---|---|
| Composite (sets the equivalent salary) | 118.8 |
| Housing (sets the equivalent rent) | 144.1 |
| Groceries | 108.2 |
| Utilities | 116.1 |
| Transportation | 105.2 |
| Health care | 105.2 |
| Other goods and services | 107.4 |
Source: MERIC Cost of Living Data Series, C2ER (https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series).
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Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index)
Additional Details
Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index, Housing component)
Equivalent Salary Needed
Estimated • Based on your inputs
Salary Difference
$14,100.00
Detailed Breakdown
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
Maryland's figures fill the destination side: composite 118.8 for the salary, housing 144.1 for the rent, and 6.5% top rate for the tax line.
How the salary, rent and tax lines are worked out (the same for every state)
Key State Information
Maryland ranks 7th highest of the 50 states on the composite index (118.8). Median household income: $102,905 (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, table B19013). Statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent (HUD FY2027): $2,104 a month.
What Maryland's index does to a salary and a rent
| Salary at the U.S. average | Same buying power in Maryland | Rent at the U.S. average → in Maryland | Maryland income tax on that salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $59,400 | $1,000 → $1,441 | $2,458 (4.1%) |
| $75,000 | $89,100 | $1,500 → $2,161 | $3,869 (4.3%) |
| $100,000 | $118,800 | $2,000 → $2,882 | $5,390 (4.5%) |
| $150,000 | $178,200 | $2,500 → $3,602 | $8,627 (4.8%) |
Maryland 2026 single-filer rates, after Comptroller of Maryland — 2025 resident tax booklet (Standard Deduction Method, Exemption Amount Chart 10A) (tax year 2025).
Maryland and the states it borders
| State | Its composite / housing | $75,000 there = in Maryland | $1,500 rent there = in Maryland | $75,000 in Maryland = there | Income tax there → here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 100.6 / 99.1 | $88,569 | $2,181 | $63,510 | 6.6% top rate → 6.5% top rate |
| Pennsylvania | 95.3 / 84.8 | $93,494 | $2,549 | $60,164 | 3.07% flat → 6.5% top rate |
| Virginia | 99.0 / 99.3 | $90,000 | $2,177 | $62,500 | 5.75% top rate → 6.5% top rate |
| West Virginia | 87.0 / 69.9 | $102,414 | $3,092 | $54,924 | 4.58% top rate → 6.5% top rate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Maryland?
Maryland's composite index is 118.8 for Q2 2026, the 7th highest of the 50 states. A $75,000 salary at the national average buys what about $89,100 buys in Maryland.
Which prices are highest and lowest in Maryland?
Against a U.S. average of 100, Maryland's highest part is housing (144.1) and its lowest is transportation (105.2); all six parts are above the national average (C2ER, Q2 2026).
What salary keeps a two-bedroom rent in Maryland at 30% of income?
About $84,160 a year: Maryland's FY2027 statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $2,104 a month, and $25,248 a year is 30% of that salary.