Cost of Living In Owings Mills, MD

Owings Mills is one of those Baltimore County suburbs where you can find a balance between convenience and space. People often compare it with other spots in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro when they’re trying to figure out housing costs, commute times, and everyday expenses. If you’re considering living in Owings Mills, MD, here’s a breakdown of what it really costs day to day.

Is It Expensive To Buy A Home In Owings Mills Maryland?

Home prices in Owings Mills sit in the middle of the pack for the county. In August 2025, Redfin reported the median home price at about $373,000. For the full 21117 ZIP code, the median was closer to $390,000 that same month. Those numbers give you a good idea of what a typical home costs right now.

Closer to Metro Centre and Mill Station, you’ll usually see higher price tags, especially on newer condos and townhomes. Single-family homes a little farther out sometimes offer more space for the same money. Remember that the cost of buying goes beyond the sticker price—property taxes, insurance, and upkeep all add to the total.

What is the Average Rent in Owings Mills?

Rents vary by size and location, but in 2025 most apartments averaged between $1,600 and $1,800 a month. Two-bedroom units near the Metro and Mill Station usually run higher, while you can find more affordable rental prices in the surrounding neighborhoods. Always include utilities and fees when figuring out the full monthly rent.

What Are The Taxes in Owings Mills MD?

Maryland’s sales tax is 6 percent, which applies to most purchases. It’s the same rate across the state, so Owings Mills isn’t any higher or lower than nearby cities.

Local fees and transfer taxes apply when you buy a home. They’re separate from property taxes, but together they make up part of your total cost of moving to Owings Mills.

How High Are Property Taxes in Owings Mills?

Baltimore County sets the property tax rate at $1.10 per $100 of assessed value in 2025. That means a home assessed at $350,000 would owe about $3,850 a year. It’s one of the biggest ongoing costs for homeowners here.

Property taxes change with assessments, so budget some extra for future increases. Add insurance, HOA dues, and routine maintenance to see the real monthly cost of owning a home in Owings Mills.

What Are the Average Monthly Utility Bills in Owings Mills?

Utility bills here follow Maryland averages. Electricity and gas together often land in the low-to-mid hundreds each month, depending on your usage. Rates can spike in the summer and winter with heavy air conditioning or heating.

Water and sewer bills typically run over $100 monthly for most households. Add internet and trash service and you’ll have a realistic picture of total utility costs.

How Much Should I Budget for Groceries in Owings Mills?

Grocery prices in Owings Mills line up with most of Maryland. What you actually spend depends on where you shop and your eating habits, but the cost of goods and services here doesn’t swing far from the state average.

When planning a monthly budget, treat groceries as a steady necessity. Using a cost of living calculator can help compare totals with nearby cities or the national average.

How Much Does Transportation Cost in Owings Mills?

Transportation is a big factor in the overall cost of living. A monthly Maryland Transit Administration pass covers buses and the Metro SubwayLink, which runs straight from Owings Mills into Baltimore. That can be a cheaper option than driving every day.

If you do drive, plan on gas, insurance, parking, and maintenance. In September 2025, AAA listed Maryland’s average gas price at about $3.16 per gallon. Many residents mix transit for weekday commutes with a car for errands and weekend trips.

What is the Median Household Income in Owings Mills?

Baltimore County’s median household income in 2023 was about $90,900. In Owings Mills, some neighborhoods come in above that number and others below, so it gives you a rough sense of what households here are earning. If your own income is in that ballpark or higher, you’ll likely find the typical housing and day-to-day costs in Owings Mills more manageable.

What is the Recommended Income to Live In Owings Mills?

A common rule is to keep housing costs at about one-third of your income. With the median home and average rent prices above, a minimum annual income in the $70,000 to $90,000 range is often used as a benchmark. Add utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare to make sure your full living expenses fit your income level.

How Does the Cost of Living Index in Owings Mills Compare to the National Average?

Owings Mills usually falls close to Maryland’s state average and a little higher than the national average in some categories. Housing is the main expense that sets Owings Mills apart, and it often runs higher than the national average whether you’re paying rent or a mortgage.

Groceries, utilities, and services tend to be similar to state averages. Transportation costs depend on whether you use transit or drive daily. The Owings Mills cost of living index gives a quick snapshot of how everyday expenses here stack up against other places.

FAQs

How much does it cost to commute by transit?

A monthly MTA pass lets you ride the Metro and buses as much as you need, which works out cheaper if you commute regularly. From Owings Mills, the train reaches downtown Baltimore in roughly half an hour.

Are utilities higher than the national average?

Maryland’s utility bills often come in higher than the national average, especially during hot summers or cold winters. Your exact costs will depend on usage and home size.

What should renters expect for a two-bedroom?

Two-bedroom apartments near Metro Centre or Mill Station usually cost more than those in outer neighborhoods. In 2025, monthly rent often landed between $1,600 and $1,800, before adding utilities.

Do property taxes add a lot to housing costs?

Yes. At $1.10 per $100 of assessed value in 2025, property taxes can add several thousand dollars a year to the cost of owning a home. Always factor them into your monthly housing expenses.

How can I decide if moving here fits my budget?

Start by writing down what you expect to spend each month on housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare. Once you see the total, compare it with your take-home pay to judge how much breathing room you have left. That quick exercise also helps you see whether the cost of living in Owings Mills is higher or lower than places you’re considering.