Cost of Living in Ocean City, MD
Population 6,887 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Ocean City skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 56. Reported household income of $69,675 often reflects pension and investment income rather than wages, which makes the local tax picture — especially property tax treatment — a larger factor than in working-age cities.
Ocean City lies roughly 105 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Baltimore — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 70% higher than Baltimore's $219,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ocean City
The median home value in Ocean City is $373,700 — 23% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,187/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,675/year is 7% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, 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, Ocean City has a cost of living index of 110 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% more expensive.
Ocean City 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:
🏠 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ocean City, MD?
Ocean City has a cost index of 110 (100 = national average). It is 10% above the national average.
What is average rent in Ocean City, MD?
The median gross rent in Ocean City is $1,187 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ocean City?
The median home value in Ocean City is $373,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ocean City?
The median household income in Ocean City is $69,675 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ocean City, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ocean City is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Ocean City, MD affordable?
Ocean City is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 110 (100 = US average).
Ocean City at a Glance
- Population
- 6,887
- Median Income
- $69,675
- Home Value
- $373,700
- Median Rent
- $1,187/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
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