Barstow, MD Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Barstow, MD Utility & Living Guide

Living in Barstow, MD offers a unique blend of rural charm and accessibility to major cities

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
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Barstow
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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

Calvert County Water and Sewerage
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 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 Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Barstow is competitive, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years. Rentals are also available, but may be limited in certain areas.

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 Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 4.75% + County 1.25%</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

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in healthcare, technology, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, education, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit in Barstow is limited, but the area is relatively flat and stroller-friendly, with some sidewalks and bike paths available

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Calvert Cliffs State Park
  • 🎯
    Chesapeake Beach Water Park
  • 🎯
    Annmarie Sculpture Garden

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Barstow include the areas around Calvert Elementary School and the town center, which offer a mix of older and newer homes, parks, and community amenities. These neighborhoods are also relatively safe and have a strong sense of community.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Residents are subject to Calvert County ordinances and zoning regulations

The current financial trend in Barstow is a growing demand for housing and commercial development, driven by its proximity to major employment centers. However, this growth also poses challenges for infrastructure and traffic management.

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📊 Barstow — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Barstow tend to be higher in the summer due to air conditioning usage, with average electricity bills increasing by 20-30% during the peak summer months. In contrast, winter heating costs are relatively moderate, with natural gas prices averaging around $1.50 per therm.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 20610 has a property tax millage rate of 0.85, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, due to the area's relatively flat terrain, some sidewalks, and bike paths, but limited public transit options and some areas with no sidewalks or crosswalks

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