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Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV

Cost of living in Washington County, MD

Part of the Hagerstown Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,159/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 155,033 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $947 30%
Federal tax $592 19%
Healthcare $480 15%
Groceries $382 12%
Transport $320 10%
Energy $204 6%
State tax $179 6%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Washington County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$852
per month
1 bedroom
$947
per month
2 bedroom
$1,242
per month
3 bedroom
$1,711
per month
4 bedroom
$1,902
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Washington County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$74,157
per year
Individual earnings
$46,227
per year
Per capita
$37,391
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Washington County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$275,900
Annual property tax
$2,444

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Washington 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 Washington County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
6.1%

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 Washington 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 Washington County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
29.5 min
Drive alone
75.3%
Public transit
1.0%
Work from home
11.0%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Washington County

What it costs to live in Washington County each month.

Single person
$3,159
per month
  • Rent $947
  • Energy $204
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $382
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $592
  • State tax $179
Couple
$4,642
per month
  • Rent $1,242
  • Energy $245
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $633
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $884
  • State tax $289
Family
$7,295
per month
  • Rent $1,711
  • Energy $306
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $960
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $884
  • State tax $289

Frequently asked questions about Washington County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Washington County?

In Washington County, MD, a one-bedroom apartment averages $947 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,242 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,711 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Washington County?

In Washington County, MD, the average household income is $74,157 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $46,227 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Washington County?

The estimated cost of living in Washington County, MD is approximately $3,159 per month for a single person, $4,642 for a couple, $7,295 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Washington County?

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

Is Washington County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Washington County, MD would need approximately $3,159 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $74,157 per year ($6,180 per month). Washington County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Washington County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Washington County, MD is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 6.1% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Washington County?

The average home value in Washington County, MD is $275,900, with average annual property taxes of $2,444, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Washington County compare to other areas?

You can compare Washington County, MD with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Washington County is in the Hagerstown-Martinsburg, 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 Washington 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