Cost of Living in Beltsville, MD
Population 19,086 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Beltsville is a long average commute — 37 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost. At 6.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Beltsville sits roughly 11 miles northeast of Washington. Median home values run roughly 47% lower than Washington's $725,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Beltsville
The median home value in Beltsville is $381,100 — 25% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,989/month, 51% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $97,115/year is 30% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.6%, above 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, Beltsville has a cost of living index of 136 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Beltsville, MD?
Beltsville has a cost index of 136 (100 = national average). It is 36% above the national average.
What is average rent in Beltsville, MD?
The median gross rent in Beltsville is $1,989 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Beltsville?
The median home value in Beltsville is $381,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Beltsville?
The median household income in Beltsville is $97,115 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Beltsville, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Beltsville is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Beltsville, MD affordable?
Beltsville is above average in cost of living, with an index of 136 — about 36% higher than the national average.
Beltsville at a Glance
- Population
- 19,086
- Median Income
- $97,115
- Home Value
- $381,100
- Median Rent
- $1,989/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.6%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
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