Cost of Living in St. Mary's County, Maryland
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Mary's County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Mary's County ranks #1,370 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. Mary's County, Maryland
St. Mary's affords housing comfortably
St. Mary's County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% sits below the national average of 20.0%, with a median household income of $114,580 that towers 53% above the U.S. median. This strong income-to-housing balance makes St. Mary's one of the nation's more affordable mid-Atlantic counties.
Above-average Maryland affordability
St. Mary's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Maryland's 18.3% state average, ranking the county among the state's more affordable options. The county's high median income of $114,580 provides significant financial cushion.
Competitive pricing across Southern Maryland
St. Mary's median rent of $1,692 falls between Queen Anne's ($1,611) and Prince George's ($1,761), while matching one of the highest median incomes in the state. Home values at $390,900 offer decent equity potential compared to peer counties.
Favorable income-to-housing math
St. Mary's renters dedicate 17.7% of their $114,580 median income to a $1,692 monthly rent, preserving substantial income for savings and investments. Homeowners allocating $1,884 to monthly mortgage payments commit 19.8% of income to ownership—a healthy ratio for long-term wealth building.
Balance and stability in Southern Maryland
St. Mary's delivers one of Maryland's strongest combinations of high income and below-average affordability ratios, making it ideal for families seeking stability. The county's proximity to federal employers (Naval Air Station Patuxent River) supports solid wage prospects for relocators.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Mary's County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in St. Mary's County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,692/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in St. Mary's County pay $1,692/month on average, compared to $1,884/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 10%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $67,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $80,743/year. With a median household income of $114,580, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in St. Mary's County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Prince George's County where rent averages $1,761/month, St. Mary's County is approximately 4% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Mary's County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,674
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.7%
of gross income
The median home in St. Mary's County may be a stretch
Median home value is $390,900. Estimated monthly cost: $3,121 vs. your max of $2,674.
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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