Cheapest Places to Live in Maryland

If you are thinking of moving to the East Coast to find the cheapest places to live in Maryland, you should know that the state offers different housing options for single people, young couples, and families. You can rent classic apartments, old-style units, and modern freestanding homes. However, Maryland is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States because of its proximity to Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Explore the median income in some Maryland cities and find out the cheapest places to live in the state.   

Median Income Locations in Maryland  

If you earn an annual household income of about $70,000 or more, you could enjoy a high quality of life when you find a community that’s among the cheapest places to live in Maryland. The state has a cost of living index of 113, meaning you should expect to spend 13% more on food, housing, health care, and other necessities when compared to the national average of 100.  Learn more about some of the affordable areas in Maryland and some of the cheapest cities to live in Maryland.

Annapolis

Annapolis, the capital city of Maryland, is one of the most densely inhabited cities in Maryland, with more than 39,278 people calling it home. Most of its inhabitants have an annual household income ranging from $65,000 to $200,000. The cost of living is 130, which is 1.3 times higher than the national average. Annapolis has charming real estate that includes vacation rentals and old-style mansions. 

You’ll find plenty of benefits when you choose to live in Annapolis, but the main ones are proximity to the central business district and a decreased commute time to points in southern Maryland and beyond.  

The median income is about $83,948, and the average rent for an apartment is about $1,583 per month.    

Gaithersburg

The city is located less than 20 miles from Washington, D.C., and is the third-largest populated city in the state with about 67,529 residents. Gaithersburg is an excellent option if you are a professional working in the District and looking for some of the cheapest places to live in Maryland. Gaithersburg has been ranked as one of the best places to live in Montgomery County, Maryland, and has an overall cost of living score of 136, making it about 1.4 times higher than the national average.  

The median income is about $86,411, and the average rent for an apartment is approximately $1,740 per month. When you reside here, you’ll find Gaithersburg one of the most affordable places to live near Bethesda, Maryland.

Hampstead

Hampstead in Carroll County has a population of about 6,362 people. You’ll find an average cost of living of 108, making it 1.1 times higher than the national average. As you explore Hampstead, you’ll discover a traditional feel with friendly neighborhoods and small communities. The median income is approximately $77,083, and the average rent for an apartment ranges from $701 to $1,000 per month.  

Taneytown

Taneytown in Carroll County is about an hour’s drive northwest of Baltimore, and it has a population of 6,787 people. You’ll find plenty of activities to do in Taneytown along with shopping at the Taneytown Shopping Center. Visit the community’s various parks, including Roberts Mill Park, home to various wildlife species and lush green spaces.  

The median income of the town is about $73,649. As a renter, expect to pay between $975 and $2,665 for apartments in many neighborhoods. 

Thurmont 

Thurmont is north of Frederick in Frederick County, and it has an overall cost of living index of 114, making it 1.1 times higher than the national index. The area offers residents and visitors different nature activities due to its proximity to the Catoctin Mountain Park and the Cunningham Falls State Park. The Catoctin Colorfest event attracts hundreds of thousands of people every autumn.  

The median income in Thurmont is about $78,320, and the average rent for an apartment is approximately $1,135 per month.  

The Cheapest Places to Live in Maryland

The high cost of living in Maryland primarily impacts the rent prices. What you could consider among the affordable places to live in Maryland could be expensive in many other states. As such, a virtual apartment tour is a great way to ensure you get a bargain, value for money, and the unit that meets your expectations. 

Considering that the median rent in the state is approximately $1,700, discover some cities where you can find housing with rates lower than the state average.

Cumberland

The city has a cost of living of about 77.5, lower than the state’s median of 113 and cheaper even by national standards. The population in Cumberland has been diminishing over the years, hence offering new renters the opportunity to get cheaper rates. 

Discover some of the standard types of apartments and their average rents per month:

• Studio: $540
• One-bedroom: $669
• Two-bedroom: $740
• Three-bedroom: $1,000

Frostburg  

Frostburg is a vibrant city that attracts students and young professionals who want to rent property for the long term because of its low median rent prices and proximity to educational institutions. The price rates in this city make its neighborhoods some of the cheapest places to live in Maryland.  

Find out about the average rental rates to expect in the city.

• Studio: $600
• One-bedroom: $690
• Two-bedroom: $820
• Three-bedroom: $1,110

Greensboro

Greensboro has a cost of living of about 93.2, making it 6.8% lower than the national average. The city has a population of 2,253, and many residents embrace a conservative culture. However, the community is relaxing, fun, and gentle, and the area appeals to government employees and business owners.  

Explore the average rental rates for apartments in the city: 

• Studio: $725
• One-bedroom: $760
• Two-bedroom: $965
• Three-bedroom: $1,287

Hagerstown

Hagerstown is a small town with a rich history and a cost of living score of 86, making it 13.8% lower than the national average. The main contributing factors to cheaper rents in the neighborhood are the low cost of living and average median household income of approximately $38,000.  

The following are the rental rates you can expect to find: 

• Studio: $665
• One-bedroom: $790
• Two-bedroom: $1,030
• Three-bedroom: $1,430

Ready to find a place in one of the cheapest places to live in Maryland? Browse thousands of apartments for rent on Zumper and narrow down your search with price and amenity filters.