Cost of Living in Fulton, MD

Population 5,946 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023

260
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Fulton's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $848,000 for a typical home, 178% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $240,219 that put it in the upper third of the state. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Fulton is part of the immediate Columbia metro area. Median home values run roughly 76% higher than Columbia's $480,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 278
Rent 232

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

About the Cost of Living in Fulton

The median home value in Fulton is $847,700 — 178% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,052/month, 132% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $240,219/year is 222% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.9%, 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, Fulton has a cost of living index of 260 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 160% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$847,700
178% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$531,545
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,052/mo
132% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.1x
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 83.1%
Renter-occupied 16.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,052
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,666/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
30.4 min
13% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
31.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
57.6%
Carpooled
3.5%
Public transit
3.2%
Walked
2.5%
Work from home
31.3%

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
$240,219
222% above avg
Per Capita Income
$109,621
Unemployment Rate
0.9%
81% below avg
Poverty Rate
0.1%
Labor Force Participation
79.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 32.3%
Graduate degree 53.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.7
Male median age 34
Female median age 41.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 38 — Good
73.4%
Good air days/yr
188
Max AQI recorded
301
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fulton, MD?

Fulton has a cost index of 260 (100 = national average). It is 160% above the national average.

What is average rent in Fulton, MD?

The median gross rent in Fulton is $3,052 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Fulton?

The median home value in Fulton is $847,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Fulton?

The median household income in Fulton is $240,219 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fulton, MD?

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

Is Fulton, MD affordable?

Fulton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 260 — about 160% higher than the national average.

Fulton at a Glance

Population
5,946
Median Income
$240,219
Home Value
$847,700
Median Rent
$3,052/mo
Unemployment
0.9%
Sales Tax
6.0%
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🗺️ County data for Maryland

Explore county-level cost of living data

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