Cost of Living in Cambridge, MD
Population 13,094 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Cambridge's median household income of $46,261 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (24% here). At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Cambridge is about 55 miles east of Washington, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 65% lower than Washington's $725,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cambridge
The median home value in Cambridge is $254,400 — 17% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $971/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,261/year is 38% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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, Cambridge has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% less 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MD?
Cambridge has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.
What is average rent in Cambridge, MD?
The median gross rent in Cambridge is $971 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cambridge?
The median home value in Cambridge is $254,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cambridge?
The median household income in Cambridge is $46,261 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cambridge, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cambridge is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Cambridge, MD affordable?
Yes, Cambridge is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.
Cambridge at a Glance
- Population
- 13,094
- Median Income
- $46,261
- Home Value
- $254,400
- Median Rent
- $971/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
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