Cost of Living in Frederick, MD
Population 80,617 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Frederick's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $95,150 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Geographically, Frederick is about 35 miles northwest of Columbia, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 24% lower than Columbia's $480,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Frederick
The median home value in Frederick is $365,200 — 20% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,688/month, 28% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $95,150/year is 28% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, 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, Frederick has a cost of living index of 123 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Frederick, MD?
Frederick has a cost index of 123 (100 = national average). It is 23% above the national average.
What is average rent in Frederick, MD?
The median gross rent in Frederick is $1,688 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Frederick?
The median home value in Frederick is $365,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Frederick?
The median household income in Frederick is $95,150 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Frederick, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Frederick is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Frederick, MD affordable?
Frederick is above average in cost of living, with an index of 123 — about 23% higher than the national average.
Frederick at a Glance
- Population
- 80,617
- Median Income
- $95,150
- Home Value
- $365,200
- Median Rent
- $1,688/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
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