Cost of Living in Shady Side, MD
Population 4,460 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Shady Side a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $447,000.
Geographically, Shady Side is about 25 miles east of Washington, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Washington's $725,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Shady Side
The median home value in Shady Side is $446,800 — 46% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,204/month, 68% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $138,346/year is 86% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, 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, Shady Side has a cost of living index of 155 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% more expensive.
Shady Side 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Shady Side, MD?
Shady Side has a cost index of 155 (100 = national average). It is 55% above the national average.
What is average rent in Shady Side, MD?
The median gross rent in Shady Side is $2,204 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Shady Side?
The median home value in Shady Side is $446,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Shady Side?
The median household income in Shady Side is $138,346 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Shady Side, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Shady Side is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Shady Side, MD affordable?
Shady Side is above average in cost of living, with an index of 155 — about 55% higher than the national average.
Shady Side at a Glance
- Population
- 4,460
- Median Income
- $138,346
- Home Value
- $446,800
- Median Rent
- $2,204/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.3%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
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