F
57%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
176%
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 Takoma Park Maryland National
Cost of living157121100
Groceries104105100
Health care107109100
Housing276151100
Transportation106109100
Utilities110108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108109100
Household Items104105100
Education & Childcare109112100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Takoma Park, MD

The cost of living in Takoma Park 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 Takoma Park is 157, which is 57% 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, Takoma Park 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, Takoma Park falls within this bracket.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Takoma Park 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 175.7% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Takoma Park Affordable?

Is Takoma Park 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 Takoma Park, the median home price is 241.3% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 22.6% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Takoma Park boasting a median household income of $122,797, 51% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Takoma Park?

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 Takoma Park, the housing index is 175.7% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Takoma Park, the transportation index stands at 5.6% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Takoma Park, the general sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates begin at 2%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Takoma Park 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 Takoma Park is 30% higher than the Maryland average
  • The cost of living in Takoma Park is 57% higher than the national average
  • Takoma Park housing is 176% 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 Takoma Park

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Compare Takoma Park, 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$233,904$19,492$5,457$7,018
      Renters$70,643$5,887$1,648$2,120
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Takoma Park, 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 Takoma Park homeowners, is $233,904. This would allow for a maximum of $5,457 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $70,643 which would result in a maximum of $1,648 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.
      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%
      Takoma Park, MD18,06215757.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Spanish Lake, MO18,0558613.6%
      Saint-Basile-le-Grand, QC18,054n/a 
      Martinsburg, WV18,0701022.3%
      Macomb, IL18,0718712.5%
      Ada, OK18,0528713.1%
      Takoma Park, MD18,06215757.2%
      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.