Cost of Living in Damascus, MD
Population 16,864 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Damascus is effectively a commuter community: the average resident spends 42 minutes each way getting to work, well above the 27-minute US median. Housing costs ($497,000 for a typical home) tend to reflect the tradeoff between price and access. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 3.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Damascus sits roughly 20 miles west of Columbia — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Columbia's $480,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Damascus
The median home value in Damascus is $496,500 — 63% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,665/month, 27% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $153,994/year is 106% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, 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, Damascus has a cost of living index of 148 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% 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 Damascus, MD?
Damascus has a cost index of 148 (100 = national average). It is 48% above the national average.
What is average rent in Damascus, MD?
The median gross rent in Damascus is $1,665 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Damascus?
The median home value in Damascus is $496,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Damascus?
The median household income in Damascus is $153,994 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Damascus, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Damascus is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Damascus, MD affordable?
Damascus is above average in cost of living, with an index of 148 — about 48% higher than the national average.
Damascus at a Glance
- Population
- 16,864
- Median Income
- $153,994
- Home Value
- $496,500
- Median Rent
- $1,665/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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