Cost of Living in College Park, MD
Population 34,397 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of College Park's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $74,867 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. A poverty rate near 29% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Located 8 miles northeast of Washington, College Park falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Washington's $725,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in College Park
The median home value in College Park is $429,000 — 41% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,846/month, 40% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,867/year is equal to than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, 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, College Park has a cost of living index of 141 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% 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 College Park, MD?
College Park has a cost index of 141 (100 = national average). It is 41% above the national average.
What is average rent in College Park, MD?
The median gross rent in College Park is $1,846 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in College Park?
The median home value in College Park is $429,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in College Park?
The median household income in College Park is $74,867 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in College Park, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in College Park is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is College Park, MD affordable?
College Park is above average in cost of living, with an index of 141 — about 41% higher than the national average.
College Park at a Glance
- Population
- 34,397
- Median Income
- $74,867
- Home Value
- $429,000
- Median Rent
- $1,846/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.7%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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