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A good salary in Maryland depends on whether you’re in the DC suburbs or Baltimore area. Here’s a complete breakdown.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, MD average | $70,000-$95,000 | $55,000-$70,000 |
| Single in Montgomery County | $90,000-$120,000 | $75,000-$90,000 |
| Single in Baltimore | $60,000-$80,000 | $50,000-$60,000 |
| Single in Western MD | $45,000-$60,000 | $38,000-$45,000 |
| Family of 4 | $120,000-$160,000 | $100,000-$120,000 |
Key advantage: Maryland has the highest median household income in the US ($90,000+), driven by federal government jobs and contractors in the DC suburbs.
Why Maryland Has High Incomes
Maryland benefits from:
- Federal government jobs and contractors in the DC area
- Strong healthcare sector (Johns Hopkins, NIH)
- Biotech corridor in Montgomery County
- Highest median household income in the nation
Good Salary by Maryland Area
Montgomery County (Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring)
DC suburbs with high-paying federal and private sector jobs.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $55,000 | $100,000 |
| Comfortable | $80,000 | $140,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $110,000+ | $180,000+ |
Median home price: ~$620,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$2,200/month
Baltimore City
More affordable urban option with growing job market.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $38,000 | $70,000 |
| Comfortable | $55,000 | $95,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $75,000+ | $125,000+ |
Median home price: ~$240,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,450/month
Baltimore County
Suburban communities with good schools.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $42,000 | $78,000 |
| Comfortable | $60,000 | $105,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $85,000+ | $140,000+ |
Median home price: ~$380,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,600/month
Annapolis / Anne Arundel County
State capital area with military presence.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $48,000 | $85,000 |
| Comfortable | $68,000 | $115,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $90,000+ | $150,000+ |
Median home price: ~$480,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,800/month
How Much House Can You Afford in Maryland?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $75,000 | $280,000-$310,000 |
| $100,000 | $380,000-$420,000 |
| $150,000 | $580,000-$640,000 |
| $200,000 | $780,000-$860,000 |
See our mortgage affordability calculators for detailed breakdowns.
Maryland vs. Neighboring States
| State | $100K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $73,800 | 115 |
| Virginia | $74,500 | 103 |
| DC | $72,100 | 148 |
| Pennsylvania | $77,200 | 94 |
| Delaware | $76,100 | 103 |
Related Guides
- What is a good salary in Virginia?
- Salary Needed to Live in Washington DC
- How much house on $100K salary?
- US Income Percentile Calculator
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.” bls.gov/oes
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