Cost of Living in La Plata, MD - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $2,561 per month with rent, or $1,204 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $3,732 per month with rent, or $1,876 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $4,904 per month with rent, or $2,549 without housing.

Currency
Do you live in La Plata, MD? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$20.32 $20.32
$11.18 $11.18
$61.0 $61.0
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$81.2 $81.2
$60.9 $60.9
$162 $162
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.53 $11.53
$11.53 $11.53
$20.25 $20.25
Cappuccino
$5.65 $5.65
$3.90 $3.90
$7.80 $7.80
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.84 $2.84
$2.03 $2.03
$3.04 $3.04
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.36 $2.36
$2.05 $2.05
$3.07 $3.07
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.41 $3.41
$2.92 $2.92
$9.73 $9.73
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.08 $5.08
$5.08 $5.08
$10.15 $10.15
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.97 $0.97
$0.55 $0.55
$1.23 $1.23
White Bread (500g)
$3.19 $3.19
$2.24 $2.24
$4.93 $4.93
Rice (white) (1kg)
$6.04 $6.04
$2.19 $2.19
$7.67 $7.67
Eggs
$1.77 $1.77
$1.71 $1.71
$10.37 $10.37
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.55 $12.55
$8.72 $8.72
$21.91 $21.91
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.95 $8.95
$6.73 $6.73
$13.39 $13.39
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.14 $13.14
$8.98 $8.98
$22.44 $22.44
Apples (1kg)
$5.23 $5.23
$2.24 $2.24
$6.73 $6.73
Banana (1kg)
$1.77 $1.77
$1.27 $1.27
$5.24 $5.24
Oranges (1kg)
$7.03 $7.03
$4.31 $4.31
$10.81 $10.81
Tomato (1kg)
$4.27 $4.27
$3.43 $3.43
$6.45 $6.45
Potato (1kg)
$3.58 $3.58
$2.22 $2.22
$5.61 $5.61
Onion (1kg)
$2.55 $2.55
$1.96 $1.96
$4.33 $4.33
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.29 $2.29
$1.01 $1.01
$3.05 $3.05
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.50 $2.50
$1.23 $1.23
$5.11 $5.11
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$10.82 $10.82
$9.03 $9.03
$12.62 $12.62
Wine (Bottle)
$13.84 $13.84
$7.91 $7.91
$17.80 $17.80
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.67 $2.67
$1.74 $1.74
$4.32 $4.32
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.02 $5.02
$3.01 $3.01
$7.03 $7.03
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.95 $1.95
$1.22 $1.22
$1.95 $1.95
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.76 $2.76
$2.76 $2.76
$2.76 $2.76
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.34 $1.34
$1.34 $1.34
$1.94 $1.94
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$29.30 $29.30
$26.50 $26.50
$35.13 $35.13
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.78 $0.78
$0.78 $0.78
$1.04 $1.04
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.6K $29.6K
$23.3K $23.3K
$35.9K $35.9K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.2K $26.2K
$24.7K $24.7K
$30.1K $30.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$96.6 $96.6
$96.6 $96.6
$399 $399
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$43.23 $43.23
$35.60 $35.60
$183 $183
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$71.6 $71.6
$58.8 $58.8
$98.0 $98.0
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$43.09 $43.09
$17.54 $17.54
$50.1 $50.1
Cinema Ticket
$14.81 $14.81
$14.81 $14.81
$17.77 $17.77
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,205 $1,205
$1,205 $1,205
$2,025 $2,025
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$23.5K $23.5K
$23.5K $23.5K
$23.5K $23.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$53.8 $53.8
$40.07 $40.07
$89.2 $89.2
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$62.5 $62.5
$40.03 $40.03
$85.1 $85.1
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$96.9 $96.9
$59.9 $59.9
$129 $129
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$196 $196
$75.4 $75.4
$261 $261
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,619 $1,619
$1,213 $1,213
$1,877 $1,877
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,337 $1,337
$988 $988
$1,482 $1,482
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,587 $2,587
$1,967 $1,967
$2,951 $2,951
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,233 $2,233
$1,708 $1,708
$2,512 $2,512
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,943 $2,943
$2,142 $2,142
$2,943 $2,943
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,296 $2,296
$1,863 $1,863
$2,296 $2,296
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$6,496 $6,496
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.25
6.19
6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: April 20, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,619, dropping to $1,337 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 25% of the average salary ($6,496) – noticeably above the typical 30% rent-to-income guideline.

The average net salary is $6,496 – comfortably above monthly costs of $2,561. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $3,841.

Groceries cost around $387 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $81.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $0.

Cost Highlights

Eggs is cheaper than 98% of cities in North America

Imported beer is more expensive than 96% of cities in North America

Average monthly net salary is higher than 93% of cities in North America

La Plata, MD Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in La Plata, MD - Frequently Asked Questions
How does La Plata's affordability stack up for long stays and value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
La Plata sits in the DC metro region, offering a balance between value and access. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, you’ll find quiet residential blocks, a compact downtown, and straightforward everyday services. The Cost of Living in La Plata, MD, United States is generally friendlier for longer stays than the urban cores nearby, with practical housing options and reliable amenities without the DC premium. Seasonal events, local cafés, and farmers markets add convenience without inflating daily costs. Tip: start with a two-week furnished stay in a couple of neighborhoods to gauge vibe, transport, and utility needs before you commit.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and coworking in La Plata, MD, United States?
Daily life in La Plata blends manageable errands with easy access to larger job centers. Housing search centers on comfortable apartments or small houses in the downtown corridor or north La Plata, with longer leases often delivering better value. Grocery options range from supermarkets to local markets, where fresh produce and prepared foods help you balance meals with work. For transport, a car is common, with walkable neighborhoods and some regional transit links to nearby towns. Understanding La Plata, MD, United States living cost helps you budget for rent, transit, and meals while leaving room for leisure. Tip: build a simple weekly routine to minimize trips and waste.
What strategies help you maximize quality of life, budgeting, seasonality, and neighborhood fit in La Plata?
You can optimize life here by choosing a neighborhood that matches your pace – downtown for walkability, suburban pockets for quiet mornings, or riverfront areas for longer commutes. Budgeting frameworks such as simple monthly envelopes for housing, groceries, and social activities help you stay on track without crunching numbers daily. In summer, plan for air conditioning and outdoor activities during shoulder seasons; in winter, prioritize energy-saving habits. Seasonality affects groceries and events, so join a local market or co-op when possible. Tip: visit a few spots across seasons to see daylight, noise, and proximity to services before you settle.
How much does it cost to live in La Plata, MD per month?
Plan for roughly $2,561 a month in La Plata, MD if you're renting, or around $1,204 for non-housing expenses. That covers one person's basics: food, bills, getting around, and a modest social life. Couples and families will need more, especially for housing and childcare.
How much does it cost to live in La Plata, MD in 2026?
For 2026, a single person in La Plata, MD should plan on about $2,561 per month with rent, or $1,204 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
How much do people earn on average in La Plata, MD?
After taxes, the average worker in La Plata, MD takes home about $6,496 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
How affordable is housing in La Plata, MD?
Rent hits hard in La Plata, MD – 1-bedroom apartments range from $1,337 to $1,619 per month, and housing is the biggest single expense for most residents. Competition for well-connected central apartments is fierce.
What does fitness cost in La Plata, MD?
Gym memberships in La Plata, MD cost about $43.09 per month – above the regional average. Premium chains and boutique studios charge even more. Parks, running routes, and outdoor fitness areas offer free alternatives if you'd rather skip the fee.
What are kindergarten prices in La Plata, MD?
Private kindergarten in La Plata, MD costs about $1,205 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
Can a person live on $2,000 monthly in La Plata, MD?
$2,000 in La Plata, MD is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $2,561, and housing alone takes a big chunk. Even with a shared flat and minimal going out, there's very little buffer for surprises or savings.
What makes La Plata, MD attractive for remote workers?
La Plata, MD has become a go-to for digital nomads thanks to fast internet. At around $2,561 monthly all-in, the value is strong for the infrastructure and lifestyle you get. Coworking spaces, solid internet, and a growing international crowd make remote work here both productive and social.

La Plata, MD vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities