Dayton, MD Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Dayton, MD Utility & Living Guide

Living in Dayton, MD offers a unique blend of rural charm and accessibility to nearby cities like Baltimore and Washington D.C.

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 — 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 Rate1.1%
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 Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<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

60

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.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

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

Dayton is experiencing growth in the tech industry, with many startups and entrepreneurs moving to the area. However, this growth is also driving up housing costs and putting pressure on local infrastructure.

Financial Tools

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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.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 21036 has a property tax millage rate of 1.04, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks, accessible parks, and relatively flat terrain, making it easy to navigate with a stroller

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