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Dayton, MD Utility & Living Guide

Dayton is an unincorporated community located in Howard County, Maryland, United States.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$350/mo

1BR Rent$1300/mo

Sales Tax6%

COL Index110 (+10% above national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$380,000

📷 Live Cameras — Dayton

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🌤️ Live Weather — Dayton

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Dayton

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

BGE

🔥 Gas

$60/mo

BGE

💧 Water

$50/mo

Howard County Department of Public Works

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services

📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$350/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1300/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1700/mo
3 Bedrooms	$2300/mo
Median Home Price	$380,000
Property Tax Rate	1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo	$1200

The housing market in Dayton is competitive, with a mix of old and new homes available. Many residents commute to nearby cities for work, making the area attractive for those who want a quieter lifestyle. However, prices are rising due to the area’s growing popularity.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

100

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	6%
Property Tax Rate	1.1%
<p>State 6% + County 0% + City 0%</p>

Maryland has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

7/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+5% (growing)

Political Climate

Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries in tech, healthcare, and education

Top Local Concerns

Traffic, affordable housing, public safety

🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit in Dayton is limited, but the area is relatively stroller-friendly, with wide sidewalks and accessible parks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Clark's Elioak Farm
🎯
Robinson Nature Center
🎯
Centennial Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The neighborhoods of Dayton, Glenwood, and West Friendship are popular with families, offering a mix of old and new homes, good schools, and community amenities. These areas are also relatively safe and have a strong sense of community.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Dayton based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Howard County has regulations in place for zoning, building permits, and environmental protection

Financial Tools

Calculators

Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side

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📊 Dayton — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Dayton tend to be higher in the summer due to air conditioning usage, with average electricity bills increasing by 20-30% during the summer months. In the winter, heating costs are relatively low due to the area's mild climate.