Germantown, MD

Very High · 135

Maryland · Population 90,521 · Updated March 2026

$1,978
Median Rent / Month
$112,149
Median Income
$401,400
Median Home Value
$1,936
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Germantown

21.2%
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

$23,736
Annual Rent
$6,449
State Income Tax
$4,295
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Germantown has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 135 (where 100 equals the national median), Germantown residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,978/month while earning a median household income of $112,149/year.

The median home value in Germantown, MD is $401,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,936 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% 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 Germantown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Germantown

What is the cost of living in Germantown, MD?
The cost of living index in Germantown, MD is 135 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,978, median household income is $112,149/year, and the median home value is $401,400.
Is Germantown, MD affordable?
No, Germantown is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 135. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Germantown, MD?
The median gross rent in Germantown, MD is $1,978 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $23,736.
What is the median household income in Germantown?
The median household income in Germantown, MD is $112,149 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%.