Last update: Oct 2026 United States 18.5K

Cost of Living in Laurel, MD

For one person, living costs in Laurel, MD are estimated at $2,538 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $35 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Laurel, MD

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Laurel, MD actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $2,538 monthly including rent, or $1,076 excluding housing.

$2,538 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $4,254 with rent, or $1,885 without housing.

$4,254 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $5,969 including rent, or $2,694 for daily expenses alone.

$5,969 /mo
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$18.12 $18.12
$15.10 $15.10
$30.21 $30.21
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$94.9 $94.9
$69.2 $69.2
$119 $119
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.82 $10.82
$9.84 $9.84
$11.81 $11.81
Cappuccino
$5.53 $5.53
$4.02 $4.02
$6.03 $6.03
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.07 $3.07
$2.56 $2.56
$3.07 $3.07
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.71 $2.71
$2.05 $2.05
$4.10 $4.10
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.82 $6.82
$5.85 $5.85
$9.75 $9.75
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.80 $7.80
$7.80 $7.80
$9.76 $9.76
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.15 $1.15
$1.02 $1.02
$1.53 $1.53
White Bread (500g)
$3.94 $3.94
$1.60 $1.60
$7.50 $7.50
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.88 $3.88
$2.15 $2.15
$7.74 $7.74
Eggs
$4.71 $4.71
$2.55 $2.55
$8.14 $8.14
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.86 $12.86
$5.53 $5.53
$33.21 $33.21
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$13.10 $13.10
$4.47 $4.47
$33.69 $33.69
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$18.67 $18.67
$13.38 $13.38
$26.80 $26.80
Apples (1kg)
$6.12 $6.12
$2.61 $2.61
$8.54 $8.54
Banana (1kg)
$1.52 $1.52
$1.08 $1.08
$2.16 $2.16
Oranges (1kg)
$4.09 $4.09
$2.17 $2.17
$13.17 $13.17
Tomato (1kg)
$4.26 $4.26
$2.23 $2.23
$6.68 $6.68
Potato (1kg)
$2.17 $2.17
$1.31 $1.31
$4.37 $4.37
Onion (1kg)
$2.77 $2.77
$2.26 $2.26
$3.09 $3.09
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.49 $2.49
$2.04 $2.04
$4.12 $4.12
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.54 $2.54
$1.01 $1.01
$3.04 $3.04
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$13.44 $13.44
$11.97 $11.97
$16.96 $16.96
Wine (Bottle)
$15.90 $15.90
$12.23 $12.23
$25.48 $25.48
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.71 $1.71
$1.69 $1.69
$3.53 $3.53
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.18 $3.18
$1.39 $1.39
$4.97 $4.97
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.83 $1.83
$1.83 $1.83
$5.08 $5.08
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.38 $1.38
$1.38 $1.38
$3.03 $3.03
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$23.67 $23.67
$23.67 $23.67
$34.52 $34.52
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.04 $1.04
$0.78 $0.78
$1.11 $1.11
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23.0K $23.0K
$23.0K $23.0K
$36.7K $36.7K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$23.8K $23.8K
$23.8K $23.8K
$26.8K $26.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$203 $203
$144 $144
$245 $245
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$67.7 $67.7
$20.27 $20.27
$101 $101
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$90.5 $90.5
$50.5 $50.5
$152 $152
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$14.46 $14.46
$12.75 $12.75
$16.68 $16.68
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,933 $1,933
$1,694 $1,694
$4,951 $4,951
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$35.2K $35.2K
$15.7K $15.7K
$65.5K $65.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$52.3 $52.3
$30.01 $30.01
$80.0 $80.0
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$57.3 $57.3
$30.35 $30.35
$70.8 $70.8
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$91.4 $91.4
$89.0 $89.0
$148 $148
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$113 $113
$66.3 $66.3
$153 $153
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,352 $1,352
$1,202 $1,202
$1,502 $1,502
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,260 $1,260
$1,186 $1,186
$1,334 $1,334
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,399 $2,399
$1,999 $1,999
$2,799 $2,799
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$3,073 $3,073
$2,974 $2,974
$3,172 $3,172
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,215 $2,215
$1,662 $1,662
$2,769 $2,769
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,568 $2,568
$2,048 $2,048
$3,088 $3,088
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$5,478 $5,478
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.72
6
7.58

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

Last update: October 20, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Laurel, MD $2,538
Accommodation & Living
$1.3K
Groceries & Markets
$422
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$361
Eating Out
$317
Clothing & Footwear
$141
Sport & Entertainment
$29 *
Getting Around
$8.8 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,352 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,260 outside the center. At 25% of the average salary ($5,478), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $5,478, while typical expenses reach $2,538. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $422 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $95.0 for two.

Cost Highlights

Internet is more expensive than 96% of cities in North America

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is more expensive than 91% of cities in North America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
14:10 2:10 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
18,540
💱 Currency
📈 Exchange rate
Exchange rates and currency converter

EUR to USD – United States Dollar Converter

United States Dollar exchange rates as of October 21, 2026: 1 EUR = 1.12 USD (1 USD = 0.89 EUR).

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Laurel, MD Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

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Mbps
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Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Laurel, MD - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Laurel, MD, United States compare in affordability for travelers and expats?
Laurel sits in a mid-range tier for the region, balancing price with access. When you compare the Cost of Living in Laurel, MD, United States to larger metro hubs nearby, you’ll notice more affordable housing and dining options, along with practical tradeoffs like shorter commutes and quieter streets. You’ll find a walkable downtown, family-friendly neighborhoods, and easy access to both the suburbs and D.C. area via car or transit. Utilities, groceries, and occasional city excursions shape your monthly plan, while parks and community events add value. Tip: Map out a couple of neighborhoods and test a few weekend grocery runs.
What is daily life like in Laurel for housing, food, transport, and errands?
Housing options include a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment buildings in pockets like Old Town Laurel and North Laurel. Start your search with local listings, then drive-by neighborhoods at different times to gauge traffic and noise. For food, you’ll find a solid mix of supermarkets, ethnic markets, and casual dining; weekend farmers markets add fresh produce. Transport leans car-friendly but has rail and bus options with easy access to the Beltway and Washington, DC. Co-working spaces and café setups suit short-term remote work, while libraries offer quiet study rooms. Errands are typically straightforward – groceries, post, and gyms cluster around main strips. Laurel, MD, United States living cost helps you calibrate your weekly plan. Tip: Map a two-week test route to estimate time and costs.
What quality of life and budgeting ideas help you pick a neighborhood and plan your stay in Laurel?
Quality of life in Laurel blends safety, green space, and easy access to both suburb and city amenities. Use a simple budgeting framework: lock in housing and utilities, then allocate for groceries and transit, with a separate pot for dining and experiences. Save by tapping local resources: library programs, community events, buy-sell groups, and occasional short-term coworking passes. Seasonality shapes your plan too – hot summers may push you toward indoor work and early shopping, while cooler months favor porch time and neighborhood strolls. Neighborhood fit matters: Old Town Laurel offers walkability and cafes, while North Laurel provides larger yards and quieter streets. Tip: Test a few neighborhoods on weekends to see where you feel most productive and relaxed.
Is the cost of living in Laurel, MD reasonable?
At around $2,538 monthly all-in, Laurel, MD offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
Is Laurel, MD affordable on an average income?
Everyday life in Laurel, MD is moderately priced at about $2,538 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Laurel, MD?
Earning $3,807 monthly in Laurel, MD means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the rental price range for apartments in Laurel, MD?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Laurel, MD range from $1,260 to $1,352, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
Is food shopping expensive in Laurel, MD?
Expect to spend around $422 per month on groceries in Laurel, MD. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
What should I budget for groceries in Laurel, MD?
At about $422 monthly, food costs in Laurel, MD sit in moderate territory. A mix of local markets and supermarkets covers most needs at fair prices, and most residents eat well without having to pinch pennies.
Does $3,000 cover living expenses in Laurel, MD?
Living on $3,000 in Laurel, MD means careful planning, since monthly costs average $2,538. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What are the pros and cons of living in Laurel, MD?
Living in Laurel, MD means access to fast internet at about $2,538 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.

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