Startup Costs in Maryland

Data current as of May 2026

Maryland benefits from proximity to Washington, DC, creating a high-income consumer base and federal contracting opportunities. The state has above-average costs but also above-average household incomes, which supports premium pricing for service businesses. Baltimore offers more affordable commercial space than the DC suburbs, with a growing small business scene.

Maryland (MD) by the Numbers

LLC Filing Fee
$100
Annual Report
$300
State Income Tax
6.50%
Sales Tax
6.00%
Min Wage
$15.00/hr
Cost of Living
1.12x
Labor Cost
1.10x
Rent Index
1.12x

What Maryland's Numbers Mean for Founders

  • State income tax caps at 6.50%.
  • Labor costs run 10% above the national average, so factor higher payroll into your first-year budget.
  • Minimum wage is $15.00/hour - on the high end nationally, which lifts your entry-level labor costs.
Capital: Annapolis
Major metros: Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, Annapolis
Top industries: Federal Government, Biotechnology, Cybersecurity, Healthcare

Maryland Cost Guides (10)