What is the cheapest city to live in Maryland?

Baltimore, MD — estimated essentials for a single person run about $4,389/month, with typical rent around $1,857/mo. Living comfortably there takes roughly $87,500/year before tax.

Does Maryland have a state income tax?

Yes. We model an effective 4.5% state income tax at middle incomes, on top of a combined state and average local sales tax of about 6.0%.

State guide

Cost of living in Maryland

1 Maryland city in the dataset, ranked cheapest first. We model an effective 4.5% state income tax at middle incomes. Combined state + average local sales tax runs about 6.0%.

Cities covered

Median rent

$1,857/mo

Median est. cost

$4,389/mo

State income tax

≈4.5%

Standouts in Maryland

Cheapest

Baltimore, MD

$4,389/mo

Lowest estimated monthly essentials for one person.

Best overall

Baltimore, MD

Fit 53

Highest default Fit Score of the cities here.

Safest

Baltimore, MD

Safety 27

Lowest violent and property crime per capita.

Best for jobs

Baltimore, MD

Jobs 40

Strongest labor market (BLS unemployment + growth).

Sunniest

Baltimore, MD

206 sunny days

Most sunny days per year.

Every Maryland city, cheapest first

Baltimore

pop 577.2K · rent $1,857 · est. $4,389/mo · comfortable on $87,500/yr

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