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Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Cost of living in Charles County, MD

Part of the Washington Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$4,603/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 168,710 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $2,056 45%
Federal tax $863 19%
Healthcare $480 10%
Groceries $382 8%
Transport $320 7%
State tax $243 5%
Energy $204 4%
Water $55 1%

Rent in Charles County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$2,012
per month
1 bedroom
$2,056
per month
2 bedroom
$2,314
per month
3 bedroom
$2,893
per month
4 bedroom
$3,413
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Charles County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$120,592
per year
Individual earnings
$62,426
per year
Per capita
$50,540
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Charles County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$402,300
Annual property tax
$4,179

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Charles County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$150
per month · 16.7¢/kWh
Natural gas
$54
per month
Annual total
$2,448
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Charles County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
4.4%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Charles County

State and local tax rates for Maryland.

State income tax
5.8%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
6.0%
Combined sales tax
6.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Charles County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
43.1 min
Drive alone
72.8%
Public transit
3.9%
Work from home
14.2%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Charles County

What it costs to live in Charles County each month.

Single person
$4,603
per month
  • Rent $2,056
  • Energy $204
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $382
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $863
  • State tax $243
Couple
$6,662
per month
  • Rent $2,314
  • Energy $245
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $633
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $1,644
  • State tax $477
Family
$9,425
per month
  • Rent $2,893
  • Energy $306
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $960
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $1,644
  • State tax $477

Frequently asked questions about Charles County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Charles County?

In Charles County, MD, a one-bedroom apartment averages $2,056 per month, a two-bedroom averages $2,314 per month, a three-bedroom averages $2,893 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Charles County?

In Charles County, MD, the average household income is $120,592 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $62,426 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Charles County?

The estimated cost of living in Charles County, MD is approximately $4,603 per month for a single person, $6,662 for a couple, $9,425 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Charles County?

The combined sales tax rate in Charles County, MD is 6.00%, which includes the Maryland state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.

Is Charles County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Charles County, MD would need approximately $4,603 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $120,592 per year ($10,049 per month). Charles County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Charles County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Charles County, MD is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 4.4% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Charles County?

The average home value in Charles County, MD is $402,300, with average annual property taxes of $4,179, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Charles County compare to other areas?

You can compare Charles County, MD with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Charles County is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area.

Other counties in Maryland

Browse the full list of counties in Maryland, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Maryland

Compare Charles County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources