Cost of Living in Dundalk, MD

Population 65,441 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023

82
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Most of Dundalk's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $62,349 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. At 7.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Dundalk sits roughly 7 miles east of Baltimore. Median home values run roughly 9% lower than Baltimore's $219,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 65
Rent 107

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Dundalk

The median home value in Dundalk is $199,600 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,412/month, 7% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,349/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 67.2°F and lows of 51.1°F. Overall, Dundalk has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$199,600
35% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$219,759
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,412/mo
7% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,732/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,407
1 BR
$1,604
2 BR
$1,898
3 BR
$2,407
4 BR
$2,822
Owner-occupied 63.4%
Renter-occupied 36.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,412
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,026/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
27.2 min
1% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.2%
Carpooled
9.6%
Public transit
4.2%
Walked
1.9%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
7.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$62,349
16% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,230
Unemployment Rate
7.2%
50% above avg
Poverty Rate
19.3%
Labor Force Participation
61.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.3%
Graduate degree 4.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.4
Male median age 35.5
Female median age 39.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
67.2°F
Avg Low
51.1°F
Annual Precip
43.7"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 444755677685908780695848
Low °F 303239485868737165534335
Precip" 3.072.753.933.553.393.364.714.354.493.492.983.66

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 45 — Good
62.5%
Good air days/yr
205
Max AQI recorded
127
PM2.5 days
231
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Dundalk, MD?

Dundalk has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.

What is average rent in Dundalk, MD?

The median gross rent in Dundalk is $1,412 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Dundalk?

The median home value in Dundalk is $199,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Dundalk?

The median household income in Dundalk is $62,349 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Dundalk, MD?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dundalk is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Dundalk, MD affordable?

Yes, Dundalk is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Dundalk?

Dundalk has average high temperatures of 67.2°F and average lows of 51.1°F. Annual precipitation is 43.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Dundalk at a Glance

Population
65,441
Median Income
$62,349
Home Value
$199,600
Median Rent
$1,412/mo
Unemployment
7.2%
Avg High Temp
67.2°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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