Maryland · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Frederick, MD

The median household in Frederick, MD earns $97,069 a year ($8,089/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $2,246/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $89,840 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 8.9% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$97,069$8,089 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$2,246HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)108.9+8.9% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate21.8¢per kWh · EIA Residential MD
Census Population83,395Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Frederick, MD

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$2,246Monthly market rent
Share of gross income27.8%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$89,840To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,427At 30% of $97,069
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Frederick, MD

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Frederick, MD
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,953$23,436$78,12024.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment$2,015$24,180$80,60024.9%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$2,246$26,952$89,84027.8%
3-Bedroom Home$2,835$34,020$113,40035%
4-Bedroom Home$3,332$39,984$133,28041.2%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Frederick, MD →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Frederick, MD

Based on the local median household income of $97,069/year ($8,089/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$4,045/moRent ($2,246 2-BR), utilities (~$197/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,427/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 108.9 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,618/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Maryland

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Maryland state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$97,069
$35,000$195,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$97,069
Net 75%
Fed 13%
MD 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$72,871After all taxes
Monthly deposit$6,073Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,803Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate24.9%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$12,525 / yr
Maryland state income tax$4,247 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$7,426 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Maryland with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Frederick, MD

What is the median household income in Frederick, MD?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Frederick, MD is $97,069 per year (approximately $8,089 per month).

What is the average rent in Frederick, MD?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Frederick, MD are $1,953 for a studio, $2,015 for 1 bedroom, $2,246 for 2 bedrooms, $2,835 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,332 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Frederick, MD compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Frederick, MD is 108.9 (8.9% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Frederick, MD?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($2,246/month) in Frederick, MD requires a minimum gross household income of $89,840 per year ($7,487 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Frederick, MD?

For a typical household earning the median income of $97,069/year ($8,089/month) in Frederick, MD, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $4,045/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,427/month to discretionary spending, and $1,618/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Frederick, MD?

Residential electricity rates in Maryland average 21.8¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $197 per month.