Cost of Living in Lanham, MD
Population 11,956 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lanham sits on the smaller end of the Maryland city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 7.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Lanham sits roughly 10 miles east of Washington. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Washington's $725,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lanham
The median home value in Lanham is $413,800 — 36% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,132/month, 62% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $95,488/year is 28% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.6%, 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, Lanham has a cost of living index of 146 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% 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 Lanham, MD?
Lanham has a cost index of 146 (100 = national average). It is 46% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lanham, MD?
The median gross rent in Lanham is $2,132 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lanham?
The median home value in Lanham is $413,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Lanham?
The median household income in Lanham is $95,488 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lanham, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lanham is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Lanham, MD affordable?
Lanham is above average in cost of living, with an index of 146 — about 46% higher than the national average.
Lanham at a Glance
- Population
- 11,956
- Median Income
- $95,488
- Home Value
- $413,800
- Median Rent
- $2,132/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.6%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs