Maryland vs Virginia Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$63,884
in Maryland
$73,386
in Virginia
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 | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 141.3 | 106.7 | +32% |
| Groceries | 105.4 | 99.7 | +6% |
| Utilities | 114.2 | 97.5 | +17% |
| Transportation | 100.7 | 95.5 | +5% |
| Healthcare | 106.6 | 107.6 | -1% |
| Dining & Misc | 108.4 | 101.5 | +7% |
| Overall | 117.4 | 102.2 | +15% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Maryland.
What things actually cost
| Item | Maryland | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $420,000 | $380,000 | +$40,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,978/mo | $1,494/mo | +$484 |
| Gas price | $3.50/gal | $3.32/gal | +$0.18 |
| Electric bill | $133/mo | $94/mo | +$39 |
| Infant childcare | $18,946/yr | $14,277/yr | +$4,669 |
Salary equivalent: Maryland → Virginia
What a Maryland salary buys you in Virginia, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Maryland | Equivalent in Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $43,526 | +$6,474 |
| $75,000 | $65,290 | +$9,710 |
| $100,000 | $87,053 | +$12,947 |
| $150,000 | $130,579 | +$19,421 |
| $200,000 | $174,106 | +$25,894 |
Positive = your money goes further in Virginia. 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 15% more expensive than Virginia overall. Maryland has an index of 117.4 vs 102.2 for Virginia (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Virginia?
Virginia is cheaper to live in. Maryland is 15% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $420,000 in Maryland vs $380,000 in Virginia.
Is Virginia cheaper than Maryland?
Yes, Virginia is 15% 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 Virginia?
Yes, Maryland is 15% more expensive than Virginia based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Virginia equals $100,000 in Maryland?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Maryland, you would need approximately $87,053 in Virginia. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (117.4 vs 102.2).
How do housing costs compare between Maryland and Virginia?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Virginia. Median home prices are $420,000 in Maryland vs $380,000 in Virginia — a $40,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,978/mo vs $1,494/mo.
What costs more in Maryland vs Virginia?
Housing is 32% higher in Maryland (index 141.3 vs 106.7). Utilities is 17% higher in Maryland (index 114.2 vs 97.5). Dining & Misc is 7% higher in Maryland (index 108.4 vs 101.5).
Is gas cheaper in Maryland or Virginia?
Gas averages $3.50/gallon in Maryland and $3.32/gallon in Virginia — a $0.18 difference per gallon.
Maryland vs Virginia cost of living — how do they compare?
Maryland has an overall cost-of-living index of 117.4 and Virginia has 102.2 (national average = 100). Maryland is 15% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Virginia?
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%. Virginia uses a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.75% on income above $17,001. Use the Maryland vs Virginia 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 Virginia?
Maryland requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Virginia 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
- Virginia Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Maryland vs Virginia Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Maryland — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Virginia — How much house can you afford?
- Maryland Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Virginia Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Maryland Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Virginia Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Maryland Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Virginia 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.