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Essex, MD Utility & Living Guide
Essex is a ceremonial county in the East of England. It is bordered by Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to the north, the North Sea to the east, Kent across the Thames Estuary to the south, Greater London to the south-west, and Hertfordshire to the west. The largest settlement is Southend-on-Sea.
Monthly Utility Costs
$143/mo
$73/mo
$53/mo
$30/mo
$60/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1144/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1421/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1849/mo |
| Median Home Price | $240,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.27% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1200 |
The housing market in Essex is relatively affordable, with a range of options from apartments to single-family homes. However, prices have been rising in recent years due to the area’s growing popularity. Renters can expect to pay around $1,100-1,400 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Cost of Living
108
+8% above national average
105
96
102
$1200
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 6% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.27% |
| <p>State 6% + No County tax + No City tax</p> | |
Maryland has a progressive state income tax with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%
Family & Relocation
55
6.2/10
$1200/mo
City Pulse
The public transit system in Essex is relatively accessible, with several bus routes and a nearby light rail station, but sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure could be improved
- Essex Park
- Middle River Recreation and Parks
- Bengies Drive-In Theatre
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Essex based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Residents are subject to Baltimore County regulations, including zoning laws and noise ordinances
Financial Tools
- 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
- 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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📊 Essex — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Utility costs in Essex tend to fluctuate with the seasons, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning and higher gas bills in the winter due to heating. However, the area's mild climate means that these fluctuations are relatively moderate compared to other parts of the country.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
The ZIP code 21221 has a property tax millage rate of 1.27, with no local surtaxes
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
Score 6/10: while Essex has some sidewalks and parks, the area's infrastructure could be improved to make it more accessible to families with strollers, particularly in terms of elevator access in transit and family-friendly amenities
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