Cost of Living in Salisbury, MD
Population 33,080 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Salisbury cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $218,000, rents near $1,247 a month. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 10.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 85 miles southeast of Baltimore, Salisbury is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Baltimore's $219,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Salisbury
The median home value in Salisbury is $217,500 — 29% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,247/month, 5% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,402/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.4%, 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, Salisbury has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% less expensive.
🏠 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Salisbury, MD?
Salisbury has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.
What is average rent in Salisbury, MD?
The median gross rent in Salisbury is $1,247 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Salisbury?
The median home value in Salisbury is $217,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Salisbury?
The median household income in Salisbury is $56,402 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Salisbury, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Salisbury is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Salisbury, MD affordable?
Yes, Salisbury is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.
Salisbury at a Glance
- Population
- 33,080
- Median Income
- $56,402
- Home Value
- $217,500
- Median Rent
- $1,247/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.4%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
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