Essex, MD Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Essex, MD Utility & Living Guide

Living in Essex, MD offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities just outside of Baltimore

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$359/mo
1BR Rent$1144/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index108 (+8% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$240,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Essex
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📷 Live Cameras — Essex
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Essex
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$143/mo

BGE
🔥 Gas

$73/mo

BGE
💧 Water

$53/mo

Baltimore City Department of Public Works
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Baltimore County Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead $359/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1144/mo
2 Bedrooms$1421/mo
3 Bedrooms$1849/mo
Median Home Price$240,000
Property Tax Rate1.27%
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

Overall COL Index

108

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+8% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

96

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.27%
<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

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including healthcare, education, and retail
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, crime, affordable housing
🚌 Transit for Families

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

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Essex Park
  • 🎯
    Middle River Recreation and Parks
  • 🎯
    Bengies Drive-In Theatre

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Essex include the waterfront communities of Essex and Middle River, which offer a range of housing options and access to parks and outdoor recreation. The nearby neighborhood of Rosedale is also popular with families, with its tree-lined streets and historic homes.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Residents are subject to Baltimore County regulations, including zoning laws and noise ordinances

The current financial trend in Essex is a growing demand for housing and commercial development, driven by the area's proximity to Baltimore and its affordable prices. However, this growth also poses challenges for long-time residents and small businesses.

Financial Tools

Calculators
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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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