D-
26%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
72%
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 Chillum Maryland National
Cost of living126121100
Groceries104105100
Health care107109100
Housing172151100
Transportation106109100
Utilities110108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108109100
Household Items104105100
Education & Childcare109112100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Chillum, MD

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Chillum? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Chillum stands at 126, making it 26% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Chillum is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Chillum falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Chillum, 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 72.2% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Chillum Affordable?

Is Chillum an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Chillum is 77.6% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 59.4% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Chillum has a median household income of $92,128, which is 13.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Chillum?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Chillum, the groceries index registers 3.9% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Chillum, the housing index is 72.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Chillum are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Chillum is 4% higher than the Maryland average
  • The cost of living in Chillum is 26% higher than the national average
  • Chillum housing is 72% 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 Chillum

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Compare Chillum, 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$123,539$10,295$2,882$3,707
      Renters$78,588$6,549$1,834$2,358
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Chillum 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. Chillum has a median income of about $123,539 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,882 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $78,588. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,834 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.
      Rose Hill CDP (Lee County), VA7318911.0%
      Wakefield town, VA838928.4%
      Belle Haven town, VA578991.4%
      Cottage City, MD1,1931055.5%
      Silver Hill, MD5,34613231.6%
      Chillum, MD35,16712626.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      San Dimas, CA35,16416665.8%
      Montgomery Village, MD35,13312726.7%
      Newark, DE35,11711514.5%
      Chester, PA35,1178613.9%
      Merritt Island, FL35,22211717.1%
      Chillum, MD35,16712626.1%
      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.