C-
19%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
42%
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 Ferndale Maryland National
Cost of living119121100
Groceries107105100
Health care111109100
Housing142151100
Transportation110109100
Utilities111108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment111109100
Household Items105105100
Education & Childcare111112100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Ferndale, MD

Knowing the cost of living in Ferndale 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 Ferndale stands at 119, marking it 19% higher than the national average.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Ferndale cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 42.5% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Ferndale Affordable?

Is Ferndale 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 Ferndale, the median home price is 37.5% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 54.1% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Ferndale boasting a median household income of $108,647, 33.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Ferndale?

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 Ferndale, the transportation index is 9.7% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Ferndale, the healthcare costs are 11.1% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Ferndale, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates kick off at 2%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Ferndale shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Ferndale is 1% lower than the Maryland average
  • The cost of living in Ferndale is 19% higher than the national average
  • Ferndale housing is 42% 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 Ferndale

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Compare Ferndale, 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$116,745$9,729$2,724$3,503
      Renters$106,237$8,853$2,479$3,187
      The affordability of the housing market in Ferndale, 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 Ferndale homeowners, the median income is $116,745. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,724 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $106,237. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $2,479 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.
      Dundalk, MD65,2411065.9%
      Lansdowne, MD8,9641044.0%
      Baltimore, MD621,7441087.9%
      Essex, MD40,7241087.7%
      Woodlawn CDP (Prince George's County), MD8,0711109.6%
      Ferndale, MD18,23011919.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Knik-Fairview, AK18,22812424.3%
      Selma, AL18,2208416.5%
      Oak Grove, OR18,22012827.8%
      North Babylon, NY18,24213838.4%
      Maitland, FL18,24313433.7%
      Ferndale, MD18,23011919.2%
      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.