Cost of Living
Charles County’s cost of living is among the lowest within the metropolitan Washington, DC area. This statistic strengthens local purchasing power and creates attractive housing choices at every price point. Lower utility costs, health services, and real estate taxes, coupled with quality schools and lifestyle amenities, attract citizens who energize the local economy.
| Cost of Living | Charles County, MD | Washington, DC - Arlington, VA - Alexandria, VA |
National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Overall |
115.6 | 159.3 | 100 |
|
Grocery |
113.7 | 115.6 | 100 |
|
Housing |
139.7 | 272.7 | 100 |
|
Utilities |
107.3 | 113 | 100 |
|
Transportation |
100.4 | 105.6 | 100 |
|
Health |
90.8 | 92.9 | 100 |
|
Miscellaneous |
106.4 |
121.7 |
100 |
*Source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2021. An index score of 100 represents the U.S. average.
Median real-estate taxes are among the lowest in Southern Maryland.
Fast Facts
43.7%
Charles County has an overall lower cost of living in the Washington DC metro area
133%
Housing is less expensive in Charles County relative to the Washington DC metro area
9%
Lower cost of health services than the national average
