Cost of Living in Maryland in 2025

Maryland Cost of Living: Quick Takeaways

• Housing Costs: Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Maryland was $1,330 in 2025, slightly decreased from 2020.
• Transportation Expenses: Public transit monthly pass averages $65 with fuel prices at $3.54 per gallon.
• Healthcare Costs: Employer-sponsored insurance costs about $144 monthly, while silver plan premiums are $621.
• Income Levels: Median household income rose to $86,738 in 2025, reflecting steady growth.

Maryland offers a diverse economic and cultural environment with variable living costs across the state. Analyzing expenses helps individuals understand what to expect here.

This article delivers a detailed breakdown of the cost of living factors in Maryland for 2025 including housing, transportation, utilities and more.

1. Housing Costs in Maryland

Housing represents a major part of living expenses. Below is the average rent for one-bedroom apartments in Maryland over recent years:

• 2010: $1,100
• 2015: $1,250
• 2020: $1,400
• 2024: $1,330
• 2025: $1,330

These figures suggest a slight decrease since 2020, indicating a modest stabilization of rental prices in Maryland.

2. Homeownership and Real Estate Trends in Maryland

The real estate market in Maryland has seen steady growth over the years in median home prices:

• 2010: $250,000
• 2015: $300,000
• 2020: $350,000
• 2024: $419,321
• 2025: $433,735

This upward trend reflects Maryland’s strong housing market and increased demand for homeownership.

To stay informed on the latest industry developments, explore our hospitality real estate market trends spotlight.

3. Transportation Expenses in Maryland

Transportation costs including public transit and vehicle expenses are summarized below:

• Public Transit: One-way fare averages $1.07 and a monthly pass is about $65.
• Fuel Costs: Gasoline prices average $3.54 per gallon in 2025.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Annual average cost is approximately $1,200.

Commuting expenses can vary widely by location and travel habits.

4. Utility Costs in Maryland

Utilities typically monthly costs in Maryland include:

• Electricity: $152.40
• Internet Services: $43.00
• Total Utilities: $195.40

These costs depend on consumption and service providers in your area.

5. Grocery and Food Expenses in Maryland

Maryland’s grocery costs and dining options are detailed below:

Monthly grocery expenses per person are estimated at $391.00. Dining out ranges from $15 for casual meals to $50 at mid-range restaurants.

Restaurant owners looking to improve staff performance and retention may find valuable insights in our top hotel chains in 2025 spotlight, showcasing industry standards and employee practices.

6. Healthcare Costs in Maryland

Healthcare expenses include insurance and out-of-pocket costs. Employer-sponsored insurance costs average $144.00 per month, while silver plan premiums are about $621.00 monthly, reflecting coverage differences.

7. Educational Expenses in Maryland

Education options in Maryland come with varying costs:

• Public Schools: Free as funded by taxes
• Private Schools: Average tuition around $12,000 annually
• In-State University Tuition: Approximately $10,000 per year

Costs vary by institution and program.

8. Entertainment and Leisure in Maryland

Maryland offers multiple recreational activities at varying costs:

• Movie Ticket: $14
• Gym Membership: $28.66 monthly
• Mid-range Restaurant Meal: $40
• Annual Entertainment Expenses: Approximately $2,482

Personal care services amount to about $768 annually, while miscellaneous goods and services average $707 yearly.

9. Taxes and Miscellaneous Fees in Maryland

Tax rates impacting residents include:

• State Income Tax: Ranges 2% to 5.75%
• Sales Tax: 6% statewide
• Property Tax: Average rate 1.05%

These taxes affect both households and businesses within Maryland.

10. Childcare and Family Expenses in Maryland

Family-related expenses are important when budgeting:

• Daycare Services: Approximately $1,182 monthly
• After-School Programs: Around $300 monthly
• Extracurricular Activities: Roughly $100 monthly

Planning ahead helps manage these ongoing costs efficiently.

11. Clothing and Personal Care in Maryland

Residents spend on average $115 per month on clothing and $54 on personal care products and services, aligned closely with national figures.

12. Insurance Costs in Maryland

Insurance contributes significantly to the cost of living:

• Health Insurance: Average monthly premium $621
• Auto Insurance: Approximately $1,304 annually
• Homeowners Insurance: About $1,200 per year
• Renters Insurance: Around $180 annually

These are essential for coverage and liability protection.

13. Miscellaneous Expenses in Maryland

Additional expenses contributing to overall costs include entertainment, personal care services, and miscellaneous goods:

• Annual Entertainment: $2,482
• Personal Care Services: $768 annually
• Miscellaneous Goods and Services: $707 annually

14. Income and Salaries in Maryland

Maryland’s median household income history indicates steady economic growth:

• 2010: $69,000
• 2015: $75,000
• 2020: $81,000
• 2023/2025: $86,738

This reflects increasing prosperity and potential purchasing power for residents.

For hospitality employers, understanding wage trends can help in recruiting and retention. Check out our detailed hospitality wages in 2025 spotlight to stay updated.

15. Comparison with National Averages

Maryland’s cost of living relative to national averages shows notable variations:

• Overall Cost: About 24% higher than the national average
• Housing: 65.9% higher
• Utilities: 10% higher
• Food: 4% higher
• Healthcare: 17.2% lower than average
• Transportation: 4% higher
• Goods & Services: 4% lower than national average

These insights help gauge affordability and living standards.

Our Methodology for Maryland Cost of Living Figures

We utilize trusted data sources including Numbeo, Bureau of Labor Statistics, MIT Living Wage Calculator, Zillow, Statista, and official government publications. Some values are estimated when exact data is unavailable to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

Maryland Cost of Living: Conclusion

Maryland’s cost of living in 2025 is characterized by high housing costs and above-average expenses in utilities and food, balanced by relatively lower healthcare costs.

The rising median household income suggests increasing affordability, although careful budgeting is necessary due to the higher overall expenses compared to national levels.

Understanding these figures allows current and prospective residents to make informed financial decisions about living in Maryland.

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