Maryland
For Americans thinking of retiring to Maryland from another state, or comparing it with a move abroad. Prices in Maryland run at 105 against a US average of 100, with housing at 121.1. We cover Maryland's 24 counties on the map below, each with a page of its own, and no town in depth yet.
Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5), 2024-12-31
Maryland is not compared with a town — compare two towns instead. Why?
Maryland, a state of the United States, is not the same kind of thing as a town: it spans many counties and very different places. Putting a state-wide average beside one town's own figures produces a number that looks like an answer and describes nothing a person would experience — so the engine refuses that pairing rather than rendering it thinly. A town against another town, here or abroad, is like-for-like. Build a comparison →
Research in progress. Our quality assessment of the official sources for the United States is not finished yet. Every figure published here is sourced and dated.
Maryland's 24 counties
Every county in Maryland on its own figures, against every US county that has the same figure. Pick a county on the map or in the list.
- Lowest fifth of US counties
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- Highest fifth (darker = a larger share 65+)
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- At least one hospital rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
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- Top fifth (darker = cheaper)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
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- Top fifth (darker = lower)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
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Outlines: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary files (2024). A fifth is among every US county holding the figure, so a color means the same thing in every state.
All 24 counties, with their figures
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Allegany County
66,848 residents, 15,685 aged 65 or older (23.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.2 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Maryland nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,809 Lower than 37 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Allegany County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.88 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 87 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,410 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Cumberland, Frostburg, Westernport (Census, 1 July 2024).
Allegany County page → -
Anne Arundel County
603,380 residents, 105,956 aged 65 or older (17.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.5 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,060 Lower than 53 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 75 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.46 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 100 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,974 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Annapolis, Highland Beach (Census, 1 July 2024).
Anne Arundel County page → -
Baltimore County
847,650 residents, 168,779 aged 65 or older (19.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.5 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,861 Lower than 36 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 9.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 34 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.56 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 99 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,998 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
No incorporated place in this county (Census, 1 July 2024).
Baltimore County page → -
Calvert County
94,484 residents, 17,754 aged 65 or older (18.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.8 Cheaper than 8 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Lexington Park, MD metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,073 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Calvert County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.66 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,638 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Chesapeake Beach, North Beach (Census, 1 July 2024).
Calvert County page → -
Caroline County
34,116 residents, 6,586 aged 65 or older (19.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.2 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Maryland nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,278 Lower than 48 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Caroline County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 74 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,710 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Denton, Federalsburg, Greensboro (Census, 1 July 2024).
Caroline County page → -
Carroll County
176,677 residents, 35,720 aged 65 or older (20.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.5 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,285 Lower than 48 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Carroll County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.65 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,046 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Westminster, Taneytown, Mount Airy (Census, 1 July 2024).
Carroll County page → -
Cecil County
107,131 residents, 20,683 aged 65 or older (19.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 102.6 Cheaper than 6 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,228 Lower than 49 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 54 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.64 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,290 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Elkton, Perryville, North East (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cecil County page → -
Charles County
176,593 residents, 27,132 aged 65 or older (15.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 108.9 Cheaper than 1 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,656 Lower than 40 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 10.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 32 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.52 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 99 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,710 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: La Plata, Indian Head, Port Tobacco Village (Census, 1 July 2024).
Charles County page → -
Dorchester County
33,628 residents, 8,358 aged 65 or older (24.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.2 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Maryland nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,398 Lower than 45 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 12.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 26 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.56 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 35 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,950 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Cambridge, Hurlock, Secretary (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dorchester County page → -
Frederick County
302,883 residents, 50,907 aged 65 or older (16.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 108.9 Cheaper than 1 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,536 Lower than 42 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 2.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 93 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.59 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 99 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,878 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Frederick, Brunswick, Walkersville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Frederick County page → -
Garrett County
28,370 residents, 7,626 aged 65 or older (26.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.2 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Maryland nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,829 Lower than 58 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Garrett County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.58 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 99 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,950 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mountain Lake Park, Oakland, Grantsville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Garrett County page → -
Harford County
266,446 residents, 52,372 aged 65 or older (19.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.5 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,236 Lower than 49 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 75 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.65 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,782 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Bel Air (Census, 1 July 2024).
Harford County page → -
Howard County
339,183 residents, 58,190 aged 65 or older (17.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.5 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,208 Lower than 29 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 85 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.47 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 100 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,950 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
No incorporated place in this county (Census, 1 July 2024).
Howard County page → -
Kent County
19,565 residents, 5,937 aged 65 or older (30.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.2 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Maryland nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,318 Lower than 47 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Kent County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.87 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 87 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,290 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kent County page → -
Montgomery County
1,074,582 residents, 201,065 aged 65 or older (18.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 108.9 Cheaper than 1 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,146 Lower than 51 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 86 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.54 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 99 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,710 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Gaithersburg, Rockville, Takoma Park (Census, 1 July 2024).
Montgomery County page → -
Prince George's County
970,374 residents, 157,103 aged 65 or older (16.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 108.9 Cheaper than 1 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,038 Lower than 32 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 15.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 19 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.56 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 99 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,638 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bowie, College Park, Laurel (Census, 1 July 2024).
Prince George's County page → -
Queen Anne's County
54,448 residents, 12,605 aged 65 or older (23.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.5 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,859 Lower than 58 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Queen Anne's County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.63 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,290 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Centreville, Church Hill, Queenstown (Census, 1 July 2024).
Queen Anne's County page → -
St. Mary's County
116,692 residents, 18,673 aged 65 or older (16.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.8 Cheaper than 8 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Lexington Park, MD metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,058 Lower than 53 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 74 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.69 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 96 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,566 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Leonardtown (Census, 1 July 2024).
St. Mary's County page → -
Somerset County
24,973 residents, 5,045 aged 65 or older (20.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 95.6 Cheaper than 21 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Salisbury, MD metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,333 Lower than 46 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Somerset County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.38 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 12 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,950 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Princess Anne, Crisfield (Census, 1 July 2024).
Somerset County page → -
Talbot County
38,238 residents, 12,225 aged 65 or older (32.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.2 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Maryland nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,350 Lower than 72 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Talbot County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.76 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 94 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Easton, Trappe, St. Michaels (Census, 1 July 2024).
Talbot County page → -
Washington County
157,731 residents, 31,212 aged 65 or older (19.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 94.2 Cheaper than 24 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,042 Lower than 53 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 63 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.64 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,998 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Smithsburg (Census, 1 July 2024).
Washington County page → -
Wicomico County
106,899 residents, 20,412 aged 65 or older (19.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 95.6 Cheaper than 21 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Salisbury, MD metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,101 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 63 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.85 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 89 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,974 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Salisbury, Fruitland, Delmar (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wicomico County page → -
Worcester County
54,459 residents, 16,413 aged 65 or older (30.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.2 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Maryland nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,641 Lower than 63 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Worcester County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.14 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 65 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,154 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ocean City, Berlin, Pocomoke City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Worcester County page → -
Baltimore city
569,997 residents, 93,421 aged 65 or older (16.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.5 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,231 Lower than 13 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 3 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 41.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 2 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.60 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 99 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,950 · Original + drug plan USD $5,748 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Baltimore (Census, 1 July 2024).
Baltimore city page →
Sources: US Census Bureau, county population estimates by age, 1 July 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, all items, of each county's metropolitan area or its state's nonmetropolitan portion; The state's published 2025 income-tax rules, the county's own local income tax where one is levied, and the county's Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household; CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026; CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al.; FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), county expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB); CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025); CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by county of residence.
Where Maryland stands, on the six criteria
Maryland's six figures are the ones that set its place on the state ranking, where it sits in Tier 5 of 16. Each is measured for the whole of Maryland, not for any single place within it.
| Criterion | Maryland |
|---|---|
| Cost of living BEA price level, all items (US = 100); lower is better |
105.0 Cheaper than 14% of the other 50 · housing 121.1 · goods 102.5 · utilities 110.9 · other services 101.6
BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5) · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-08-28
|
| Taxes on a retired couple state and local tax on the example retired couple, USD a year; lower is better |
USD $3,495 (90% margin USD $3,474–$3,516) Lower than 44% of the other 50
Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household · figure for 2025
|
| Healthcare access share of residents 65+ living in a county with a 4- or 5-star CMS hospital; higher is better |
74 % of residents 65+ Higher than 72% of the other 50
CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Safety homicides per 100,000 a year, 2020–2024, by state of residence; lower is better |
10.1 per 100,000 a year (95% interval 9.8–10.5) Lower than 20% of the other 50
CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Climate months a year whose mean daily high is 18–29 °C (64–84 °F), 1981–2010; more is better |
5.1 months a year More than 82% of the other 50
CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2010 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Natural-hazard risk expected yearly loss to buildings from natural hazards, per USD $1,000 of buildings; lower is better |
USD $0.60 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98% of the other 50
FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB) · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-10-27
|
Medicare in Maryland
For the published example couple, both 67 and married: what Medicare premiums cost a year for two in Maryland, and the most a bad year can cost. What care itself costs depends on a person's health, so it is not estimated here.
Medicare Advantage, with drug coverage
USD $5,878 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,870)
At most USD $20,950 in a bad year (from USD $19,172), with each person's in-network out-of-pocket maximum
The middle of the 11 plans offered here; "from" is the lowest premium among them.
Original Medicare, with a drug plan
USD $5,748 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,997)
Medigap: no federal price list — not in this total.
No yearly maximum on Original Medicare alone.
Part B for two, plus the middle of the 9 standalone drug plans offered in the state.
The middle of Maryland's 24 counties, weighted by residents 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025).
The 2027 Part B premium is not yet published (CMS usually publishes it in November); 2026's is used.
Source: CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
Maryland gives holders of Maryland-issued Medigap policies a yearly open enrollment period, including their birthday and the following 30 days, to switch to a policy with equal or lesser benefits from any carrier without underwriting. Maryland's rule
Free, official Medicare counseling in Maryland: State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), 1-800-243-3425 (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Retiring to Maryland: pros and cons, by the figures
Retiring to Maryland, judged on the six figures above: a pro is a figure in the top fifth of the states, a con one in the bottom fifth. Figures in between get no verdict.
Pros
- Climate: more than 82% of the other 50 (5.1 months a year). CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025)
- Natural-hazard risk: lower than 98% of the other 50 (USD $0.60 per USD $1,000 of buildings). FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB)
Cons
- Cost of living: dearer than 86% of the other 50 (105.0). BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5)
- Safety: higher than 80% of the other 50 (10.1 per 100,000 a year). CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence
Also shown, not scored
Maryland's other state-wide figures: shown for context, not part of its tier. Measured for the whole of Maryland — not for any single place within it.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
|
Population
Total resident population, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredTotal resident population, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. Bigger is not better — this axis exists for context, never for ranking. |
6,265,347 people |
|
Population 65 plus
Residents aged 65 or older, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredResident population aged 65 or older, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. |
1,149,859 people |
|
Social security beneficiary share
Everyone receiving Social Security — retired, disabled, survivors and dependants — as a share of the population, 2025.
How this is measuredAll OASDI beneficiaries — retired workers, disabled workers, survivors and dependants — as a percentage of the total resident population. SSA Table 1 (2025), population as of 1 July 2025. Not the same measure as the county-level retired-worker share. |
18.1 percent |
Source for every figure: SSA Table 1 (2025) · Census population as of 1 July 2025 · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-08-28 Official source
Taxes on a retired couple in Maryland
We apply Maryland's published rules for tax year 2025 to one example household and show the sum, line by line. These are rules already in force for 2025, not a projection.
The example household
| Filing status | married filing jointly, both aged 67 |
|---|---|
| Social Security | USD $45,000 a year, combined |
| Private pension | USD $25,000 a year |
| IRA or 401(k) withdrawal | USD $20,000 a year |
| Home, for property tax | USD $350,000 |
An illustrative household, the same for every state so states can be compared. Each spouse holds half of each income. Your own figures will differ.
Maryland's rules applied
Federal income tax is left out: it is the same in every state, so it cannot separate them. Sales tax is left out too: it depends on what a household buys, and no state publishes an average of its local rates. The rate is listed below.
The rules behind the sum
- Top income-tax rate: 6.5 % Comptroller of Maryland, 2025 Maryland resident income tax booklet · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Social Security subtracted (Form 502 line 11): 100 % of it Comptroller of Maryland, 2025 Maryland resident income tax booklet · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Pension exclusion, 65 or older: USD $41,200 less Social Security received (IRAs do not qualify): USD $41,200 per person, from age 65, reduced by the Social Security received Comptroller of Maryland, 2025 Maryland resident income tax booklet · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Two-income married couple subtraction: USD $1,200 Comptroller of Maryland, 2025 Maryland resident income tax booklet · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Standard deduction, married filing jointly: USD $6,700 Comptroller of Maryland, 2025 Maryland resident income tax booklet · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Personal exemption (USD $3,200 each): USD $3,200 per person Comptroller of Maryland, 2025 Maryland resident income tax booklet · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Age exemption, 65 or older (USD $1,000 each): USD $1,000 per person, from age 65 Comptroller of Maryland, 2025 Maryland resident income tax booklet · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Senior tax credit: USD $1,750 for a joint return with both spouses 65 or older: USD $875 per person, from age 65 Comptroller of Maryland, 2025 Maryland resident income tax booklet · checked Oct 26, 2026
- County income tax at the lowest county rate, 2.25 % (Worcester County): 2.25 % Comptroller of Maryland, 2025 Maryland resident income tax booklet · checked Oct 26, 2026
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