F
37%
Overall NAT. AVG.
23%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
40%
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 Suitland Maryland National
Cost of living137121100
Groceries123105100
Health care133109100
Housing140151100
Transportation138109100
Utilities132108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment140109100
Household Items124105100
Education & Childcare170112100
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 Suitland, MD

Knowing the cost of living in Suitland 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 Suitland stands at 137, marking it 37% higher than the national average.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Suitland is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Suitland falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Suitland 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 40.2% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Household expenses account for 8% of the cost of living index and include the products people rely on every week, from toiletries and detergent to clothing and kitchen essentials. In Suitland, household essentials are 23.9% more expensive than the U.S. average, which can leave less room in your monthly budget.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in Suitland, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 22.9% higher than the national average.

Is Suitland Affordable?

Is Suitland 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 Suitland, for instance, where the median home price falls 36.5% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 48.8% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Suitland flaunting a median household income of $92,483, 13.7% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Suitland?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum 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 farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Suitland, the groceries index is 22.9% higher than the national average.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Suitland, the utilities index registers 32.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Suitland 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 Suitland is 13% higher than the Maryland average
  • The cost of living in Suitland is 37% higher than the national average
  • Suitland housing is 40% 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 Suitland

See all the best places to live around Suitland

Compare Suitland, MD Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Suitland?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Suitland?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Suitland 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$135,894$11,325$3,171$4,077
      Renters$77,517$6,460$1,809$2,326
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Suitland, MD, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Suitland homeowners, is $135,894. This would allow for a maximum of $3,171 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $77,517 which would result in a maximum of $1,809 to be spent on rental 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.
      Cedarville, MD59911010.1%
      Rose Hill CDP (Lee County), VA7318911.0%
      Woodlawn CDP (Carroll County), VA2,3348911.3%
      Belle Haven town, VA578991.4%
      Cottage City, MD1,1931055.5%
      Suitland, MD26,07813736.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Watertown, NY26,0841000.4%
      Salem, VA26,0711054.6%
      Mount Pleasant, MI26,060928.1%
      Amherstburg, ON26,060n/a 
      Reading, MA26,11116161.5%
      Suitland, MD26,07813736.9%
      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.