Cost of Living in Somerset County, Maryland
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Somerset County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Somerset County ranks #2,532 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Somerset County, Maryland
Somerset struggles with income, not rent
Somerset County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average of 20.0%, but the real challenge is the county's median household income of just $52,462—30% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This income gap creates affordability pressure despite relatively low absolute rents of $938 monthly.
Maryland's affordability challenge
Somerset's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in Maryland, surpassing the state average of 18.3% by a significant margin. The county faces a structural affordability crisis driven more by low wages than high rents.
Cheapest rents, tightest budgets
Somerset's median rent of $938 is the lowest among comparable counties—$323 less than Wicomico and $310 less than Washington County. However, with the lowest median income in the region at $52,462, residents spend a disproportionate share of earnings on housing.
The Somerset income crunch
Although Somerset renters pay just $938 monthly—the region's lowest—this consumes 21.5% of their $52,462 annual median income. Homeowners face a steeper challenge, with $977 monthly mortgage payments eating 22.3% of household income, leaving limited room for other essentials.
Relocate only if income follows
Somerset offers the region's lowest housing costs, but wages lag significantly behind state and national averages, making relocation viable only with remote work or employer transfers. If your job supports a competitive salary, Somerset provides genuine affordability; without it, the low cost of living won't offset income constraints.
Cost of Living Advisory: Somerset County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Somerset County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $938/month in gross rent, with 34.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $938/month rent versus $977/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $39/month cheaper — a 4% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,871/year. With a median household income of $52,462, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Somerset County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Caroline County where rent averages $1,070/month, Somerset County is approximately 12% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Somerset County
Rent Burden
21.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,224
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.3%
of gross income
The median home in Somerset County may be a stretch
Median home value is $164,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,312 vs. your max of $1,224.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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