Cost of Living in North East, MD

Population 4,095 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023

89
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

North East 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.

Geographically, North East is about 40 miles northeast of Baltimore, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 11% higher than Baltimore's $219,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 80
Rent 103

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

About the Cost of Living in North East

The median home value in North East is $243,500 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,358/month, 3% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $87,510/year is 17% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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, North East has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$243,500
20% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$389,134
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,358/mo
3% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,734/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.9x
Favors buying
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 56.7%
Renter-occupied 43.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,358
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,972/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
29.9 min
11% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.8%
Carpooled
6.2%
Public transit
0.3%
Work from home
9.6%

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
$87,510
17% above avg
Per Capita Income
$47,862
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
4% above avg
Poverty Rate
15.9%
Labor Force Participation
64.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.3%
Graduate degree 20.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.5
Male median age 32.8
Female median age 40.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
73.9%
Good air days/yr
190
Max AQI recorded
163
PM2.5 days
197
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in North East, MD?

North East has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.

What is average rent in North East, MD?

The median gross rent in North East is $1,358 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in North East?

The median home value in North East is $243,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in North East?

The median household income in North East is $87,510 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in North East, MD?

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

Is North East, MD affordable?

Yes, North East is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.

North East at a Glance

Population
4,095
Median Income
$87,510
Home Value
$243,500
Median Rent
$1,358/mo
Unemployment
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
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🗺️ County data for Maryland

Explore county-level cost of living data

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