Cost of Living in Bowie, MD
Population 57,771 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Bowie is a long average commute — 39 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.
Bowie sits roughly 15 miles east of Washington — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 39% lower than Washington's $725,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bowie
The median home value in Bowie is $442,000 — 45% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,240/month, 70% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $141,831/year is 90% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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, Bowie has a cost of living index of 155 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% 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 Bowie, MD?
Bowie has a cost index of 155 (100 = national average). It is 55% above the national average.
What is average rent in Bowie, MD?
The median gross rent in Bowie is $2,240 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bowie?
The median home value in Bowie is $442,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bowie?
The median household income in Bowie is $141,831 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bowie, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bowie is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Bowie, MD affordable?
Bowie is above average in cost of living, with an index of 155 — about 55% higher than the national average.
Bowie at a Glance
- Population
- 57,771
- Median Income
- $141,831
- Home Value
- $442,000
- Median Rent
- $2,240/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
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