Cost of Living in North Laurel, MD

Population 25,201 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023

145
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

North Laurel lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $443,000 — 45% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Maryland. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.

North Laurel sits roughly 5 miles south of Columbia — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 8% lower than Columbia's $480,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 145
Rent 146

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

About the Cost of Living in North Laurel

The median home value in North Laurel is $442,800 — 45% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,913/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $119,533/year is 60% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, 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, North Laurel has a cost of living index of 145 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$442,800
45% above avg
Median Rent
$1,913/mo
46% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.3x
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 63.3%
Renter-occupied 36.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,913
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,527/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
31.3 min
16% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
21.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.8%
Carpooled
8.5%
Public transit
1.6%
Walked
0.6%
Work from home
21.4%

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
$119,533
60% above avg
Per Capita Income
$52,801
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
44% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.3%
Labor Force Participation
72.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 31.2%
Graduate degree 25.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.7
Male median age 34.1
Female median age 37.3

💨 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 North Laurel, MD?

North Laurel has a cost index of 145 (100 = national average). It is 45% above the national average.

What is average rent in North Laurel, MD?

The median gross rent in North Laurel is $1,913 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in North Laurel?

The median home value in North Laurel is $442,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in North Laurel?

The median household income in North Laurel is $119,533 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in North Laurel, MD?

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

Is North Laurel, MD affordable?

North Laurel is above average in cost of living, with an index of 145 — about 45% higher than the national average.

North Laurel at a Glance

Population
25,201
Median Income
$119,533
Home Value
$442,800
Median Rent
$1,913/mo
Unemployment
2.7%
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Maryland →
🗺️ County data for Maryland

Explore county-level cost of living data

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