B+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
3%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Salisbury Maryland National
Cost of living101119100
Goods & Services106106100
Groceries100106100
Health care10497100
Housing97150100
Transportation9898100
Utilities95111100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Salisbury, MD

Understanding the cost of living in Salisbury can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Salisbury cost of living index is 101, which is 1% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Salisbury is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Salisbury?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 5 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Salisbury and this is how they responded. 40% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 60% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Salisbury Affordable?

Wondering if Salisbury is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Salisbury, for example, the median home price is 9.1% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 11.8% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Salisbury boasting a median household income of $44,474, which is 19.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Salisbury?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Salisbury, healthcare costs are 3.6% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Salisbury, the housing index is 2.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Salisbury displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

New Real Estate Listings in Salisbury Area
Search Homes for Sale in Salisbury, MD

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Salisbury is 15% lower than the Maryland average
  • The cost of living in Salisbury is 1% higher than the national average
  • Salisbury housing is 3% lower than the national average
  • Maryland general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Maryland state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Salisbury

See all the best places to live around Salisbury

Compare Salisbury, MD Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Salisbury?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Salisbury?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Salisbury poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$69,638$5,803$1,625$2,089
      Renters$37,070$3,089$865$1,112
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Salisbury, MD, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Salisbury, homeowners have a median income of $69,638. Using that number, a maximum of $1,625 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $37,070, which means there is a maximum of $865 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Maryland Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Maryland 6% 6%

      Maryland Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Maryland 2% 5.75%

      Goods & Services

      Item Salisbury National avg. Difference
      Haircut $29.11$24.2620.0%
      Beauty Salon $52.88$45.5616.1%
      Toothpaste $3.76$3.701.6%
      Shampoo $1.20$1.286.5%
      Movie $13.93$12.1314.8%
      Bowling $23.28$18.0029.3%

      Groceries

      Item Salisbury National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.47$5.846.3%
      Fried Chicken $1.34$1.5714.8%
      Milk $4.61$4.671.3%
      Potatoes $5.39$4.939.2%
      Pizza $12.81$12.096.0%
      Beer $10.53$10.411.1%

      Health Care

      Item Salisbury National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $144.11$125.6814.7%
      Doctor $139.66$135.782.9%
      Dentist $132.33$113.2916.8%
      Ibuprofen $10.65$10.650.0%
      Lipitor $369.07$468.6021.2%

      Housing

      Item Salisbury National avg. Difference
      Home Price $167,800.00$184,700.009.1%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,380.70$2,346.691.4%
      Apartment Rent $1,061.00$949.0011.8%

      Transportation

      Item Salisbury National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.40$3.461.7%
      Tire Balancing $57.32$59.924.3%

      Utilities

      Item Salisbury National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $182.13$193.996.1%
      Phone $182.79$192.254.9%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Whitehaven, MD1681022.0%
      Mount Vernon, MD1,0169010.0%
      Powellville, MD109919.1%
      Eden, MD846918.5%
      Eldorado, MD76936.7%
      Salisbury, MD32,8501010.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lewiston, ID32,8531033.4%
      Pueblo West, CO32,8421066.3%
      Val-d'Or, QC32,869n/a 
      Pikesville, MD32,87112423.7%
      Parkland, FL32,87816969.3%
      Salisbury, MD32,8501010.5%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.