Cost of Living in Wheaton, MD
Population 52,172 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Wheaton is a long average commute — 36 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost.
Wheaton sits roughly 10 miles north of Washington — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than Washington's $725,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wheaton
The median home value in Wheaton is $483,100 — 58% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,151/month, 64% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $107,349/year is 44% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, 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, Wheaton has a cost of living index of 161 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 61% 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 Wheaton, MD?
Wheaton has a cost index of 161 (100 = national average). It is 61% above the national average.
What is average rent in Wheaton, MD?
The median gross rent in Wheaton is $2,151 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wheaton?
The median home value in Wheaton is $483,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Wheaton?
The median household income in Wheaton is $107,349 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wheaton, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wheaton is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Wheaton, MD affordable?
Wheaton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 161 — about 61% higher than the national average.
Wheaton at a Glance
- Population
- 52,172
- Median Income
- $107,349
- Home Value
- $483,100
- Median Rent
- $2,151/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
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