Cost of Living in Waldorf, MD
Population 82,541 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Waldorf is effectively a commuter community: the average resident spends 48 minutes each way getting to work, well above the 27-minute US median. Housing costs ($383,000 for a typical home) tend to reflect the tradeoff between price and access. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 15 miles southeast of Alexandria, Waldorf falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Alexandria's $697,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waldorf
The median home value in Waldorf is $383,100 — 26% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,949/month, 48% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $115,453/year is 55% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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, Waldorf has a cost of living index of 135 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% 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 Waldorf, MD?
Waldorf has a cost index of 135 (100 = national average). It is 35% above the national average.
What is average rent in Waldorf, MD?
The median gross rent in Waldorf is $1,949 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waldorf?
The median home value in Waldorf is $383,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waldorf?
The median household income in Waldorf is $115,453 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waldorf, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waldorf is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Waldorf, MD affordable?
Waldorf is above average in cost of living, with an index of 135 — about 35% higher than the national average.
Waldorf at a Glance
- Population
- 82,541
- Median Income
- $115,453
- Home Value
- $383,100
- Median Rent
- $1,949/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
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Maryland Rankings
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