Cost of Living in Melwood, MD

Population 3,734 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023

124

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Melwood 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 7.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 12 miles southeast of Washington, Melwood falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Washington's $725,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 141

Rent 97

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

About the Cost of Living in Melwood

The median home value in Melwood is $430,700 — 41% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,277/month, 3% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,917/year is 13% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, 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, Melwood has a cost of living index of 124 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% more expensive.

📍

Melwood has limited residential data

Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:

Rosaryville, MD

Median home: $457,600

Rent: $2,542/mo

Income: $148,558

Westphalia, MD

Median home: $478,200

Rent: $1,947/mo

Income: $158,055

Forestville, MD

Median home: $324,700

Rent: $1,694/mo

Income: $80,028

Marlton, MD

Median home: $398,900

Rent: $1,857/mo

Income: $119,486

Camp Springs, MD

Median home: $379,500

Rent: $2,175/mo

Income: $115,157

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$430,700

41% above avg

Median Rent

$1,277/mo

3% below avg

Price-to-Rent Ratio

28.1x

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 82.3%

Renter-occupied 17.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$1,277

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $1,891/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

43.3 min

60% above avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

14.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

70.4%

Carpooled

9.5%

Public transit

0.5%

Walked

3.4%

Work from home

14.8%

⚡ 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

$83,917

13% above avg

Per Capita Income

$47,305

Unemployment Rate

7.3%

52% above avg

Poverty Rate

11.2%

Labor Force Participation

58.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 19.1%

Graduate degree 17.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43

Male median age 42.7

Female median age 45.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good

69.3%

Good air days/yr

192

Max AQI recorded

138

PM2.5 days

226

Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Melwood, MD?

Melwood has a cost index of 124 (100 = national average). It is 24% above the national average.

What is average rent in Melwood, MD?

The median gross rent in Melwood is $1,277 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Melwood?

The median home value in Melwood is $430,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Melwood?

The median household income in Melwood is $83,917 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Melwood, MD?

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

Is Melwood, MD affordable?

Melwood is above average in cost of living, with an index of 124 — about 24% higher than the national average.

Melwood at a Glance

Population: 3,734
Median Income: $83,917
Home Value: $430,700
Median Rent: $1,277/mo
Unemployment: 7.3%
Sales Tax: 6.0%

View all cities in Maryland →

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