If you are moving to Maryland then you must surely explore the different aspects of the state. Maryland is known by the nickname “Old Line State” and lies on the eastern side of the US.
It has a variety of topographical features and the climate. When you move to Maryland, you should get aware that the cost of living in Maryland is comparatively higher than the national average. The state has five major metropolitan areas that have a very high cost of living when compared to the other states.
The job market of the state is nice where the common jobs and high-paying job availability are good. Maryland has progressive tax rates where it is divided into eight brackets and the sales tax of the state is 8%. The state is economically progressed for many years and it is continuously growing. Maryland ranks at number 11 in terms of education, providing quality education.
Most of the regions have higher housing rates, while few non-metropolitan areas have low housing rates. The state experiences a subtropical humid climate due to its proximity to the ocean. You can also see some of the Pros and Cons of Maryland that can be helpful when relocation to Maryland. Explore more details of the Maryland state here that can help you to make necessary preparations.
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Cost of Living
According to the world population review, Maryland’s cost of living index is 129.7. It is comparatively higher than the united states index average of 100.
The cost of living in Maryland is higher than the average across the United States. In the state, the cost of living is 8.4% more than they do nationally on average, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The overall cost of living in Maryland is the sixth-highest among all states. Five metropolitan areas are found in Maryland. Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is the most expensive region in the state.
| Maryland | US | |
| Median Home Value | $305,500.00 | $204,900.00 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,357.00 | $1,023.00 |
| Average Car Insurance | $1,684.00 | $1,517.00 |
| Healthcare cost for Single Adult | $3,549.00 | $4,266.00 |
| Healthcare cost for family of four | $10,777.00 | $12,950.00 |
| Food cost for Single Adult | $3,342.00 | $3,240.00 |
| Food cost for family of four | $9,652.00 | $9,354.00 |
| Annual Child care cost | $10,001.00 | $8,903.00 |
| Annual Taxes | $7,992.00 | $6,542.00 |
Job market
According to U.S. News, Maryland ranks 15 in the nation for employment.
In Maryland, the average household income is $107,482 While the median household income is $81,868.
The most wanted job in Maryland is a Photographer with an Average annual salary of $39,640.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, Maryland’s current unemployment rate in February 2021 was 6.2 %, which is the same as the average Unemployment Rate in the United States.
It is 7.8x more common for a worker in Maryland to be a Groundskeeper than all U.S. workers.
The Most Common Jobs in Maryland
| Rank | Job | Local Jobs . | Mean Local Salary . |
| 1 | Retail salespersons | 69,320 | $21,108 |
| 2 | Cashiers | 53,970 | $16,916 |
| 3 | Office clerks, general | 51,640 | $24,058 |
| 4 | Registered nurses | 41,910 | $59,338 |
| 5 | General and operations managers | 40,820 | $89,512 |
| 6 | Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners | 35,890 | $20,258 |
| 7 | Waiters and waitresses | 32,770 | $14,960 |
| 8 | Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive | 32,350 | $27,766 |
| 9 | Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food | 31,490 | $15,148 |
| 10 | Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand | 29,510 | $22,044 |
highest-paying jobs in Maryland
| Rank | Job Description | Average Salary i | Entry Level Salary i |
| 1 | Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $206,280 | $90,120 |
| 2 | Psychiatrists | $204,630 | $48,590 |
| 3 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $191,910 | $95,540 |
| 4 | Nurse Anesthetists | $189,440 | $54,250 |
| 5 | Chief Executives | $188,970 | $60,090 |
| 6 | Family Medicine Physicians | $184,000 | $77,870 |
| 7 | All Other Physicians; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $182,090 | $68,030 |
| 8 | General Pediatricians | $174,530 | $79,310 |
| 9 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $151,370 | $97,210 |
| 10 | Postsecondary Law Teachers | $150,440 | $58,550 |
Top employers
| # | Employer | City |
| 1 | Patuxent Institution | Jessup |
| 2 | US Social Security Admin | Baltimore |
| 3 | University of MD Medical Ctr | Baltimore |
| 4 | NASA Goddard Space Flight Ctr | Greenbelt |
| 5 | National Institutes of Health | Bethesda |
| 6 | Nawcad | Patuxent River |
| 7 | Johns Hopkins Univ Sch-Mdcn | Baltimore |
| 8 | Northrop Grumman Elctro Systs | Baltimore |
| 9 | Anne Arundel County Board-Edu | Annapolis |
| 10 | Walter Reed Natl Mltry Med Ctr | Bethesda |
Tax rates
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State governments in Maryland are permitted to levy taxes on personal income. There are rates from 2.25% up to 3.20% collected on income in the counties of Maryland. Maryland imposes a statewide income tax of 5.75% at its top rate.
Maryland’s combination of state and local income taxes makes it one of the country’s highest-taxed states, but its state sales tax of 6% is quite low.
Maryland Income Tax:
Maryland state is applicable to dividends and interest income. Maryland state has a progressive tax structure. Maryland state tax is divided into 8 brackets with tax rates of 2%-5.75% applicable on income range of $1,000-$250,000.
Maryland Sales Tax:
Maryland state is ranked 17 nationwide. In Maryland, the state sales tax is 6.00% and the average local tax rate is 0.00%.
Maryland Property Tax:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Maryland state’s median property tax is $ 3,142 with an effective property tax rate of 1.00%.
Maryland Gas Tax:
Maryland state has a $0.368905 / gallon gasoline tax and a $0.376405 / gallon diesel tax.
Maryland Cigarettes Tax:
Maryland state ranks 5th out of 50 states in the cigarette tax. In Maryland, the cigarette tax per pack of 20 is $3.75.
Economy
Maryland ranks 37th for its economic outlook and 30th for economic performance rank. Maryland has the 29th highest economic exposure to COVID-19.
There are 1,522,780 employees employed in sectors with a high COVID-19 exposure; 48% of all Maryland employees.
There are 6,045,680 residents in Maryland, with a growth rate of 0.3% annually over the next five years, ranking them 27th out of all 50 states.
There are certain sectors of the Maryland economy that employ more workers and drive more GDP than others. Looking at raw numbers only often gives an incomplete picture.
A deeper understanding of Maryland’s economic situation occurs when you consider the growth of employment and GDP over the past five years.
During the five years to 2019, Maryland’s GSP grew by 2.0%, reaching $374.4 billion. Maryland’s GSP growth ranks 18 out of all 50 US states.
Education
According to U.S. News, Maryland is ranked 14th overall in the United States education system, 12th for higher education and 14th for Pre-K-12.
Maryland is ranked 11th for quality of education in public schools among all 50 states by WalletHub.
Maryland schools spend $14,762 per pupil for a total of $13.2 billion annually. That’s the equivalent of 3.6% of taxpayer income.
75,513 college students graduate annually in Maryland. The cost of the average community college in Maryland is $4,210 for In-state tuition and $9,750 for out-of-state tuition. In Maryland, public university costs $22,552 which is more than the national average of $21,216.
| Rank | 18 |
| State | Maryland |
| In-State Total | $22,552 |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | $9,807 |
| Room & Board | $12,745 |
| Out-Of-State Tuition & Fees | $27,689 |
Here are the best colleges in Maryland
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Maryland–College Park
- University of Maryland–Baltimore County
- Towson University
- United States Naval Academy
- St. John’s College (MD)
- St. Mary’s College of Maryland
- Washington College
- Goucher College
- Loyola University Maryland
Housing prices:
Baltimore’s housing market continues to thrive despite a year of the Coronavirus pandemic. As a result, the economy continues to be weighed down by the public health crisis, which has fueled demand for property and opened the floodgates for consumers with record-low mortgage rates.
A Baltimore home is worth $152,180 on average. A median-priced home in British Columbia is $294,353, while a comparable home in Baltimore is $294,353. Because of redlining, homes in Baltimore are worth half as much as those in the greater metro area, as we saw in Birmingham, Alabama.
During the 1930s and 1940s, the average redlined house was valued at just $100,000. Baltimore is the second-most socially conscious city in the country.
According to homesnacks.com here are the
Most Affordable Places To Live In Maryland
- Brunswick
- Cumberland
- Hampstead
- Thurmont
- Frostburg
- Aberdeen
- Walkersville
- Taneytown
- Poolesville
- Mount Airy
Most expensive places to live in Maryland for 2021:
- Mount Rainier
- College Park
- Bladensburg
- Gaithersburg
- Rockville
- Annapolis
- Ocean City
- Takoma Park
- New Carrollton
- Hyattsville
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Weather
The climatic conditions in Maryland are extremely diverse. As a result of proximity to the ocean, the eastern half of the country has a subtropical humid climate.
Summers in Maryland are hot and humid, with peak temperatures between 100°F and 38°C, with the worst of it occurring in July. In the coastal areas of the Atlantic, summers are oppressive because of the higher humidity levels. A sudden change in weather is more likely during spring and fall. Frost occurs commonly in valleys near the ground because cold air stays close. Occasionally, the conditions will change rapidly with cyclones and anticyclones succeeding one another. During winters, the temperature often falls below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-17.8 degrees Celsius). Heavy snow and rain fall on the Allegheny Plateau from December to February. The Appalachian Mountain range blankets the central U.S. in arctic cold during the winter months because of the eastern slopes rising ten degrees Fahrenheit (12.2 degrees Celsius).
Rainfall for Maryland in an average year is 42 Inches (1117.6mm), ranging from 37 Inches (939.8mm) into the Allegheny Plateau by 48 Inches (1219.2mm).
Snowfall lasts from September to May in the coldest regions and varies considerably according to region and altitude.
Weather hazards
The proximity of the Atlantic Ocean to Maryland makes the state vulnerable to tropical cyclones, but the storms rarely have an intensity higher than EF3. As storms approach the Gulf of Mexico or the Southeast United States, the weather deteriorates significantly. There are on average six tornadoes that impact the state every year. Storms occur 30 to 40 days a year on average in late spring and summer. These nor’easter storms’ characteristics include strong east and northeast winds, high winds, and torrential rain. Heavy rains and hail storms are common during storms in the summer and autumn, causing flooding upstream of the Potomac River. During the winter, blizzards are usually common in Maryland, and they can stall transportation in many places.
Pros and Cons of Living in Maryland
Pros
- Numerous outdoor activities
There are innumerable ways to get outside to enjoy the outdoor activities that await. It gives you lots of hiking, paddle boarding, riding, camping, golfing, etc.
- Natural Beauty
Maryland is an oasis in the mid-Atlantic region as over 40% of the state is covered with forests. This state is also filled with majestic mountains and beautiful waterfalls.
- Close to the significant US Cities
It shares close proximity to several big and significant US cities such as Baltimore, Washington, New York, etc.
- Unique Culture
You will find a diverse and fascinating culture in the state of Maryland. It comes right up to the Maxon-Dixon line and boasts several elements of southern hospitality.
- Wide Employment Opportunities
It features numerous employment opportunities for the residents. Most of the career prospects tend to be service-related with the government.
- Stunning Beaches
Maryland comes right up to the Atlantic Ocean and therefore, it gives you access to several beautiful beaches. One can indulge in several water-related activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, etc.
- Rich History
This state is one of the oldest inhabited states in the country and hence, a rich history is waiting for you.
- Incredible food
It is famous for offering incredibly delicious and fresh seafood like crab, half shell, lobster rolls, crab, oysters, etc.
Cons
- Expensive Cost of Living
Maryland is one of the wealthiest states in the country to reside in and living here is an expensive affair. The overall living cost index of this state is 13% more than the national average.
- High Volume of Traffic
The amount of traffic in this state is challenging to manage. There are never really off times in the area and you must expect to add a couple of hours extra while commuting.
- Steep property taxes and housing value
The real estate price in Maryland is significantly higher than in other parts of the country. The median housing value in the state is about $330,000. Its effective property tax rate is ranked 31 in the US.
- Crime Rate
The higher crime rate is the most concerning issue in the state. The city of Baltimore is ranked the third most dangerous city to reside in the country.
- Homelessness
Maryland is currently suffering from the issue of homelessness. High population and expensive rates are major reasons for the same.
- Blue Laws
The blue laws in the state are quite different from other regions. For example, males are not allowed to buy drinks for female bartenders.
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Things to Do in Maryland
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
- Fell’s Point
- Ocean City Beach
- Seneca Creek State Park
- U.S. Naval Academy
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards
- National Aquarium
- Sagamore Spirit Distillery
- Ocean City Boardwalk
- The Walters Art Museum
- C&O Canal Towpath
- American Visionary Art Museum
- Historic Downtown Frederick
- Annapolis Historic District
- Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
- Northside Park
- Chesapeake Bay
- The Awakening Sculpture
- Great Allegheny Passage
- Lake Kittamaqundi
Conclusion
The above details of Maryland are certainly very useful while moving to Maryland. As the cost of living is more compared to the other states, it is important to do all the preparation accordingly. As many big employers have branches in the metropolitan areas of the state, there is a good scope for high-paying jobs here.
You can see that there are many reputed high schools and colleges where you can expect quality education for your kids. The weather of the state is very nice to get easily adjusted here. There are some of the natural landscape places nearby where you can spend your holiday’s making your living in Maryland pleasurable. Make the preparation soon to come in Maryland to have a better stay.
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