F
37%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
103%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Annapolis Maryland National
Cost of living137121100
Groceries104105100
Health care110109100
Housing203151100
Transportation110109100
Utilities109108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108109100
Household Items107105100
Education & Childcare112112100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Annapolis, MD

Knowing the cost of living in Annapolis allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Annapolis stands at 137, marking it 37% higher than the national average.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Annapolis may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Annapolis falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Annapolis, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 103.2% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Annapolis Affordable?

Is Annapolis affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Annapolis, for instance, where the median home price falls 123.2% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 56.4% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Annapolis flaunting a median household income of $132,521, 62.9% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Annapolis?

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Annapolis, the groceries index is 4% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Annapolis, the transportation index is 9.8% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Annapolis, the utilities index registers at 8.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Annapolis cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Annapolis is 13% higher than the Maryland average
  • The cost of living in Annapolis is 37% higher than the national average
  • Annapolis housing is 103% higher than the national average
  • Maryland general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Maryland state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Annapolis

See all the best places to live around Annapolis

Compare Annapolis, MD Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Annapolis?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Annapolis?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Annapolis poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$180,767$15,064$4,218$5,424
      Renters$78,488$6,541$1,831$2,355
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Annapolis, MD, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Annapolis, the median monthly income is $180,767 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $4,218 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $78,488, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,831 on monthly rental expenses.

      Maryland Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Maryland 6% 6%

      Maryland Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Maryland 2% 5.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rock Hall, MD1,5941055.3%
      Ferndale, MD18,23011919.2%
      Glen Burnie, MD71,24611919.4%
      Upper Marlboro, MD60111818.2%
      Riviera Beach, MD13,24512323.2%
      Annapolis, MD40,87313736.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Los Banos, CA40,88412827.6%
      Columbia, TN40,814963.6%
      Hagerstown, MD40,9401011.3%
      Keizer, OR40,78711716.8%
      Friendswood, TX40,78511616.3%
      Annapolis, MD40,87313736.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.