Skyline of Annapolis
Cost of Living: 125 40,000

Annapolis, MD, US

Maryland's capital on the Chesapeake Bay with the Naval Academy and historic sailing heritage.

Updated September 12, 2026

Overview

Annapolis is a city in MD with a population of 40,000. Maryland’s capital on the Chesapeake Bay with the Naval Academy and historic sailing heritage. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Cost of Living 125

Very High vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 140

Above Average

Median Income $78,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.5%

Job market health

Annapolis vs US Average

Cost of Living
Annapolis: 125
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Annapolis: 140
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Annapolis: 5.75%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.8%
  • Sales Tax: 6.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $78,000
  • Unemployment: 3.5%
  • Population: 40,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 205/year
  • Summer High: 85°F
  • Winter Low: 30°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b

Housing

  • Median Home: $500,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1800/mo

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Cost of Living

Annapolis's cost of living index is 125 (US average = 100).

CategoryAnnapolisNational AverageDifference
Overall125100+25.0%
Housing140100+40.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$500,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1800/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$2,250/mo
Price per Sq Ft$333

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Annapolis:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$135Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$76Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$65Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$75Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities$351Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Annapolis scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 125
Rent
— $1800
Sunny Days
— 205
Tax
— 5.75%
Unemployment
— 3.5%
Climate
— 85°F / 30°F
Safety
— 5.8 homicides/100k
Population
— 40,000
Internet Speed
— 200 Mbps

Climate

Annapolis has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January50°F30°F2.5"
April70°F45°F2.8"
July85°F60°F1.5"
October65°F48°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5b

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Annapolis faces the following natural hazards:

Flood High Risk

Coastal flooding from storm surges.

Hurricane Moderate Risk

Coastal areas affected by hurricanes.

Blizzard Moderate Risk

Winter storms.

Tornado Moderate Risk

Tornado risk.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.75%
  • Sales Tax: 6%
  • Property Tax: ~1.09% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.

Schools & Education

79/100
School Quality Score
Better than 72% of US cities
?
19
Total Schools
6.6:1
Student:Teacher
84.5%
Free/Reduced Lunch

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Demographics

The population of Annapolis is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
2.7%
Black or African American
18.5%
Hispanic or Latino
18.6%
Native American
0.0%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
0.0%
Other
0.1%
Two or more races
3.1%
White
56.9%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
53.7%
High school graduate
13.8%
Less than high school
10.1%
Some college
22.4%

Religion

Christian
65.0%
Jewish
3.0%
Other
5.0%
Unaffiliated
27.0%

Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Annapolis, MD, US?

The cost of living index in Annapolis is 125, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Annapolis?

The median home price in Annapolis is $500,000. The housing index is 140.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Annapolis is approximately $1800/mo.

Does Annapolis, MD have income tax?

Annapolis is in MD, which has an income tax rate of 5.75%.

What is the climate like in Annapolis?

Annapolis enjoys approximately 205 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 85°F, while winter lows can drop to around 30°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.