D
24%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
64%
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 Catonsville Maryland National
Cost of living124121100
Groceries104105100
Health care109109100
Housing164151100
Transportation107109100
Utilities104108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment107109100
Household Items105105100
Education & Childcare111112100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Catonsville, MD

The cost of living in Catonsville affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Catonsville is 124, which is 24% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Catonsville may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Catonsville falls within this bracket.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Catonsville cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 63.8% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Catonsville Affordable?

Is Catonsville affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Catonsville, the median home price is 71.3% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 46.5% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Catonsville boasting a median household income of $136,666, 68% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Catonsville?

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Catonsville, the transportation index is 7.4% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Catonsville, healthcare costs are 9.3% higher than the national average.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Catonsville, the groceries index is 4.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Catonsville cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Catonsville is 2% higher than the Maryland average
  • The cost of living in Catonsville is 24% higher than the national average
  • Catonsville housing is 64% 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 Catonsville

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Compare Catonsville, MD Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$157,581$13,132$3,677$4,728
      Renters$74,164$6,180$1,730$2,225
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Catonsville is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Catonsville has a median income of about $157,581 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,677 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $74,164. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,730 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Dundalk, MD65,2411065.9%
      Lansdowne, MD8,9641044.0%
      Baltimore, MD621,7441087.9%
      Woodlawn CDP (Prince George's County), MD8,0711109.6%
      Parkville, MD31,07411010.1%
      Catonsville, MD42,74212423.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Grove City, OH42,7551011.1%
      Woonsocket, RI42,7181054.7%
      Puyallup, WA42,71712928.6%
      Moline, IL42,715928.0%
      La Quinta, CA42,77513939.3%
      Catonsville, MD42,74212423.8%
      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.