Cost of Living in Greenbelt, MD
Population 24,572 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Greenbelt is a long average commute — 36 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Greenbelt sits roughly 9 miles northeast of Washington. Median home values run roughly 64% lower than Washington's $725,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Greenbelt
The median home value in Greenbelt is $258,600 — 15% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,807/month, 38% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $86,352/year is 16% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.4%, 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, Greenbelt has a cost of living index of 106 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% 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 Greenbelt, MD?
Greenbelt has a cost index of 106 (100 = national average). It is 6% above the national average.
What is average rent in Greenbelt, MD?
The median gross rent in Greenbelt is $1,807 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Greenbelt?
The median home value in Greenbelt is $258,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Greenbelt?
The median household income in Greenbelt is $86,352 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Greenbelt, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Greenbelt is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Greenbelt, MD affordable?
Greenbelt is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 106 (100 = US average).
Greenbelt at a Glance
- Population
- 24,572
- Median Income
- $86,352
- Home Value
- $258,600
- Median Rent
- $1,807/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.4%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
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