Maryland Ranks 5th Most Expensive State—And That’s Before Wes Moore’s New Fees Kick In
Maryland has just been ranked the fifth most expensive state in the country based on monthly household bills, according to a new report from Doxo’s U.S. Bill Pay Market Size and Category Breakout Report. The average Maryland resident pays $2,693 per month in bills, significantly higher than the national average of $1,400.
And that’s just the surface.
That figure doesn’t include the laundry list of new taxes, fees, and regulatory burdens quietly pushed through under Governor Wes Moore’s administration—from expanded tolls and gas taxes to hidden charges tucked into state licensing and legal systems. Nor does it capture the sky-high cost of navigating Maryland’s bloated family court system, where simply defending your parental rights can run tens of thousands of dollars, even if you're innocent of any wrongdoing.
It’s death by a thousand fees. And the bill keeps climbing.
The Price of Living—and Litigating—in Maryland
While Maryland's high average income often masks its affordability crisis, working families and small business owners are being squeezed from every direction. Rent, insurance, utilities, and car payments already consume a disproportionate share of residents’ take-home pay. But add to that:
Court filing fees and legal retainers that can exceed $20,000 in prolonged family disputes
Endless compliance costs for anyone trying to start or operate a small business
Tolls, excise taxes, and “environmental fees” that compound inflation
In family law alone, it’s not uncommon for a parent—especially fathers—to shell out $50,000+ just to see their child, thanks to court-mandated evaluations, Guardian ad Litem fees, and expert reports. None of this is factored into the Doxo index.
So while Maryland might claim a “strong economy” on paper, it’s built on a foundation of government expansion and revenue extraction. Families aren’t thriving—they’re surviving.
Wes Moore’s Maryland: Progressive Policy, Regressive Reality
Governor Wes Moore has championed progressive initiatives since taking office, touting equity and opportunity as pillars of his administration. But the cost of “equity” is being unfairly shouldered by everyday citizens, many of whom are now fleeing the state for more affordable pastures like Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas.
Moore’s 2024 tax and fee hikes—both direct and indirect—have hit residents in the wallet. Add in rising housing costs and increasing health insurance premiums, and the supposed "Maryland Miracle" begins to feel more like a mirage.
Small businesses? Good luck. Maryland ranked near the bottom in the Tax Foundation’s Business Tax Climate Index and continues to be one of the least friendly states for entrepreneurs. You need permits to breathe, and an attorney to file them.
What This Means for Maryland’s Future
If the cost of simply living here is nearly double the national average, and the state continues to pile on regulations and hidden legal costs, how can we expect to attract new business investment or retain working families?
Maryland is increasingly viewed as hostile to business, hostile to parents, and hostile to affordability. The state’s economy may look robust on a spreadsheet—but for the average resident trying to raise a family, start a business, or survive a court battle—it’s a financial war zone.
High cost of living. High cost of justice. Low return on freedom.
That’s the real Maryland ranking.