Cost of Living in Bel Air South, MD

Population 57,702 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023

126
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

The Bel Air South cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $384,000, rents near $1,666 a month.

Geographically, Bel Air South sits roughly 20 miles northeast of Baltimore. Median home values run roughly 75% higher than Baltimore's $219,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 126
Rent 127

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Bel Air South

The median home value in Bel Air South is $384,000 — 26% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,666/month, 27% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $120,721/year is 62% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Maryland's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Bel Air South has a cost of living index of 126 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$384,000
26% above avg
Median Rent
$1,666/mo
27% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,407
1 BR
$1,604
2 BR
$1,898
3 BR
$2,407
4 BR
$2,822
Owner-occupied 82.7%
Renter-occupied 17.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,666
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,280/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
34.1 min
26% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
17.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.3%
Carpooled
6.1%
Public transit
0.7%
Walked
0.5%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
17.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$120,721
62% above avg
Per Capita Income
$54,958
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
29% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Labor Force Participation
68.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 27.1%
Graduate degree 20.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.2
Male median age 37
Female median age 39.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 45 — Good
66.3%
Good air days/yr
200
Max AQI recorded
170
PM2.5 days
189
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bel Air South, MD?

Bel Air South has a cost index of 126 (100 = national average). It is 26% above the national average.

What is average rent in Bel Air South, MD?

The median gross rent in Bel Air South is $1,666 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Bel Air South?

The median home value in Bel Air South is $384,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Bel Air South?

The median household income in Bel Air South is $120,721 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Bel Air South, MD?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bel Air South is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Bel Air South, MD affordable?

Bel Air South is above average in cost of living, with an index of 126 — about 26% higher than the national average.

Bel Air South at a Glance

Population
57,702
Median Income
$120,721
Home Value
$384,000
Median Rent
$1,666/mo
Unemployment
3.4%
Sales Tax
6.0%
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🗺️ County data for Maryland

Explore county-level cost of living data

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