Maryland vs New Jersey Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$63,884
in Maryland
$65,048
in New Jersey
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Maryland | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 141.3 | 141.9 | 0% |
| Groceries | 105.4 | 103.5 | +2% |
| Utilities | 114.2 | 102.2 | +12% |
| Transportation | 100.7 | 102.1 | -1% |
| Healthcare | 106.6 | 110.8 | -4% |
| Dining & Misc | 108.4 | 104.5 | +4% |
| Overall | 117.4 | 115.3 | +2% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Maryland.
What things actually cost
| Item | Maryland | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $420,000 | $500,000 | $80,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,978/mo | $1,987/mo | $9 |
| Gas price | $3.50/gal | $3.44/gal | +$0.06 |
| Electric bill | $133/mo | $144/mo | $11 |
| Infant childcare | $18,946/yr | $18,155/yr | +$791 |
Salary equivalent: Maryland → New Jersey
What a Maryland salary buys you in New Jersey, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Maryland | Equivalent in New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,106 | +$894 |
| $75,000 | $73,658 | +$1,342 |
| $100,000 | $98,211 | +$1,789 |
| $150,000 | $147,317 | +$2,683 |
| $200,000 | $196,422 | +$3,578 |
Positive = your money goes further in New Jersey. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Maryland is 2% more expensive than New Jersey overall. Maryland has an index of 117.4 vs 115.3 for New Jersey (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or New Jersey?
New Jersey is cheaper to live in. Maryland is 2% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $420,000 in Maryland vs $500,000 in New Jersey.
Is New Jersey cheaper than Maryland?
Yes, New Jersey is 2% cheaper than Maryland overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Maryland more expensive than New Jersey?
Yes, Maryland is 2% more expensive than New Jersey based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in New Jersey equals $100,000 in Maryland?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Maryland, you would need approximately $98,211 in New Jersey. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (117.4 vs 115.3).
How do housing costs compare between Maryland and New Jersey?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Maryland. Median home prices are $420,000 in Maryland vs $500,000 in New Jersey — a $80,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,978/mo vs $1,987/mo.
What costs more in Maryland vs New Jersey?
Utilities is 12% higher in Maryland (index 114.2 vs 102.2). Healthcare is 4% lower in Maryland (index 106.6 vs 110.8). Dining & Misc is 4% higher in Maryland (index 108.4 vs 104.5).
Is gas cheaper in Maryland or New Jersey?
Gas averages $3.50/gallon in Maryland and $3.44/gallon in New Jersey — a $0.06 difference per gallon.
Maryland vs New Jersey cost of living — how do they compare?
Maryland has an overall cost-of-living index of 117.4 and New Jersey has 115.3 (national average = 100). Maryland is 2% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and New Jersey?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Maryland has a progressive state income tax plus local county income taxes that add 2.25% to 3.20%. New Jersey has a progressive income tax with 7 brackets, topping out at 10.75% on income over $1 million. Use the Maryland vs New Jersey paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Maryland and New Jersey?
Maryland requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. New Jersey requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Maryland Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Jersey Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Maryland vs New Jersey Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Maryland — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in New Jersey — How much house can you afford?
- Maryland Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- New Jersey Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Maryland Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Jersey Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Maryland Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- New Jersey Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.