Bowie, MD

Very High · 153

Maryland · Population 57,771 · Updated March 2026

$2,240
Median Rent / Month
$141,831
Median Income
$442,000
Median Home Value
$2,333
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Bowie

19.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Maryland

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

5.75%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
1.07%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$26,880
Annual Rent
$8,155
State Income Tax
$4,729
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Bowie has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 153 (where 100 equals the national median), Bowie residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,240/month while earning a median household income of $141,831/year.

The median home value in Bowie, MD is $442,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,333 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Maryland has a moderate income tax rate of 5.75%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 1.07% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Bowie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Bowie

What is the cost of living in Bowie, MD?
The cost of living index in Bowie, MD is 153 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,240, median household income is $141,831/year, and the median home value is $442,000.
Is Bowie, MD affordable?
No, Bowie is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 153. The rent-to-income ratio is 19.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Bowie, MD?
The median gross rent in Bowie, MD is $2,240 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $26,880.
What is the median household income in Bowie?
The median household income in Bowie, MD is $141,831 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Maryland?
Maryland has a top income tax rate of 5.75%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.07%.