Cost of Living in South Laurel, MD
Population 27,736 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
South Laurel is effectively a commuter community: the average resident spends 35 minutes each way getting to work, well above the 27-minute US median. Housing costs ($443,000 for a typical home) tend to reflect the tradeoff between price and access. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, South Laurel sits roughly 10 miles south of Columbia. Median home values run roughly 8% lower than Columbia's $480,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Laurel
The median home value in South Laurel is $443,100 — 45% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,795/month, 37% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,715/year is 22% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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, South Laurel has a cost of living index of 142 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% 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 South Laurel, MD?
South Laurel has a cost index of 142 (100 = national average). It is 42% above the national average.
What is average rent in South Laurel, MD?
The median gross rent in South Laurel is $1,795 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Laurel?
The median home value in South Laurel is $443,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in South Laurel?
The median household income in South Laurel is $90,715 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Laurel, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Laurel is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is South Laurel, MD affordable?
South Laurel is above average in cost of living, with an index of 142 — about 42% higher than the national average.
South Laurel at a Glance
- Population
- 27,736
- Median Income
- $90,715
- Home Value
- $443,100
- Median Rent
- $1,795/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
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Maryland Rankings
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