F
39%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
112%
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 Crofton Maryland National
Cost of living139121100
Groceries104105100
Health care108109100
Housing212151100
Transportation110109100
Utilities109108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment110109100
Household Items103105100
Education & Childcare117112100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Crofton, MD

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Crofton? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Crofton stands at 139, making it 39% 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 Crofton 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, Crofton falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Crofton, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 111.6% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Crofton Affordable?

Is Crofton 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 Crofton, for instance, where the median home price falls 117.2% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 98.8% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Crofton flaunting a median household income of $181,487, 123.1% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Crofton?

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Crofton, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6%, and income tax rates start at 2%.

Where is the Data From?

The Crofton 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 Crofton is 15% higher than the Maryland average
  • The cost of living in Crofton is 39% higher than the national average
  • Crofton housing is 112% 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 Crofton

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Compare Crofton, 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$206,455$17,205$4,817$6,194
      Renters$138,789$11,566$3,238$4,164
      The affordability of the housing market in Crofton, MD as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Crofton homeowners, the median income is $206,455. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $4,817 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $138,789. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $3,238 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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.
      Cottage City, MD1,1931055.5%
      Silver Hill, MD5,34613231.6%
      Brooklyn Park, MD15,64811313.3%
      Seat Pleasant, MD4,92913232.1%
      Capitol Heights, MD4,60913434.2%
      Crofton, MD30,10013939.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Austintown, OH30,1228614.4%
      Jamestown, NY30,1278317.3%
      Eagle Pass, TX30,071919.5%
      Seguin, TX30,071946.2%
      Oak Park, MI30,129945.9%
      Crofton, MD30,10013939.2%
      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.