Cost of Living in North Potomac, MD

Population 23,994 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023

230
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in North Potomac run well above the national baseline, with a median of $793,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $186,438 place the city among the better-paid Maryland metros.

Located 15 miles northwest of Arlington, North Potomac falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 8% lower than Arlington's $865,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 260
Rent 185

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

About the Cost of Living in North Potomac

The median home value in North Potomac is $793,200 — 160% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,433/month, 85% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $186,438/year is 150% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, 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 Potomac has a cost of living index of 230 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 130% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$793,200
160% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$892,285
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,433/mo
85% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,998/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
27.2x
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 83.3%
Renter-occupied 16.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,433
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,047/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
35.8 min
33% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
36.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
52.2%
Carpooled
6.0%
Public transit
3.3%
Walked
0.3%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
36.8%

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
$186,438
150% above avg
Per Capita Income
$74,589
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
Labor Force Participation
65.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 34.2%
Graduate degree 42.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.5
Male median age 44.4
Female median age 46.3

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
81.5%
Good air days/yr
165
Max AQI recorded
162
PM2.5 days
195
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

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

North Potomac has a cost index of 230 (100 = national average). It is 130% above the national average.

What is average rent in North Potomac, MD?

The median gross rent in North Potomac is $2,433 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in North Potomac?

The median home value in North Potomac is $793,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in North Potomac?

The median household income in North Potomac is $186,438 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in North Potomac, MD?

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

Is North Potomac, MD affordable?

North Potomac is above average in cost of living, with an index of 230 — about 130% higher than the national average.

North Potomac at a Glance

Population
23,994
Median Income
$186,438
Home Value
$793,200
Median Rent
$2,433/mo
Unemployment
4.6%
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Maryland →
🗺️ County data for Maryland

Explore county-level cost of living data

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