Cost of Living in Forest Glen, MD

Population 6,650 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023

166
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Forest Glen run well above the national baseline, with a median of $605,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $127,196 place the city among the better-paid Maryland metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 8 miles north of Washington, Forest Glen falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Washington's $725,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 198
Rent 118

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

About the Cost of Living in Forest Glen

The median home value in Forest Glen is $604,800 — 98% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,553/month, 18% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $127,196/year is 71% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, 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%. Overall, Forest Glen has a cost of living index of 166 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 66% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$604,800
98% above avg
Median Rent
$1,553/mo
18% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
32.5x
Favors renting
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 62.9%
Renter-occupied 37.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,553
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,167/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
35.2 min
30% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
37.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
40.8%
Carpooled
5.1%
Public transit
13.4%
Walked
0.9%
Bicycle
1.2%
Work from home
37.2%

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
$127,196
71% above avg
Per Capita Income
$66,277
Unemployment Rate
6.2%
29% above avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
Labor Force Participation
75.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 29.4%
Graduate degree 37.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.5
Male median age 37.6
Female median age 40.6

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
81.5%
Good air days/yr
165
Max AQI recorded
162
PM2.5 days
195
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Forest Glen, MD?

Forest Glen has a cost index of 166 (100 = national average). It is 66% above the national average.

What is average rent in Forest Glen, MD?

The median gross rent in Forest Glen is $1,553 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Forest Glen?

The median home value in Forest Glen is $604,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Forest Glen?

The median household income in Forest Glen is $127,196 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Forest Glen, MD?

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

Is Forest Glen, MD affordable?

Forest Glen is above average in cost of living, with an index of 166 — about 66% higher than the national average.