Cost of Living in Silver Spring, MD
Population 82,129 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Silver Spring's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $619,000 for a typical home, 103% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $98,880 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Located 7 miles north of Washington, Silver Spring falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Washington's $725,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Silver Spring
The median home value in Silver Spring is $619,400 — 103% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,899/month, 45% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $98,880/year is 33% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, 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, Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 180 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 80% more 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD?
Silver Spring has a cost index of 180 (100 = national average). It is 80% above the national average.
What is average rent in Silver Spring, MD?
The median gross rent in Silver Spring is $1,899 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Silver Spring?
The median home value in Silver Spring is $619,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Silver Spring?
The median household income in Silver Spring is $98,880 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Silver Spring, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Silver Spring is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Silver Spring, MD affordable?
Silver Spring is above average in cost of living, with an index of 180 — about 80% higher than the national average.
Silver Spring at a Glance
- Population
- 82,129
- Median Income
- $98,880
- Home Value
- $619,400
- Median Rent
- $1,899/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
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