Maryland vs Washington Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$63,884
in Maryland
$66,430
in Washington
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 | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 141.3 | 118.3 | +19% |
| Groceries | 105.4 | 108.0 | -2% |
| Utilities | 114.2 | 98.8 | +16% |
| Transportation | 100.7 | 124.0 | -19% |
| Healthcare | 106.6 | 110.2 | -3% |
| Dining & Misc | 108.4 | 111.2 | -3% |
| Overall | 117.4 | 112.9 | +4% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Maryland.
What things actually cost
| Item | Maryland | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $420,000 | $580,000 | $160,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,978/mo | $1,656/mo | +$322 |
| Gas price | $3.50/gal | $4.69/gal | $1.19 |
| Electric bill | $133/mo | $90/mo | +$44 |
| Infant childcare | $18,946/yr | $20,677/yr | $1,731 |
Salary equivalent: Maryland → Washington
What a Maryland salary buys you in Washington, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Maryland | Equivalent in Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,083 | +$1,917 |
| $75,000 | $72,125 | +$2,875 |
| $100,000 | $96,167 | +$3,833 |
| $150,000 | $144,250 | +$5,750 |
| $200,000 | $192,334 | +$7,666 |
Positive = your money goes further in Washington. 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 4% more expensive than Washington overall. Maryland has an index of 117.4 vs 112.9 for Washington (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Washington?
Washington is cheaper to live in. Maryland is 4% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $420,000 in Maryland vs $580,000 in Washington.
Is Washington cheaper than Maryland?
Yes, Washington is 4% 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 Washington?
Yes, Maryland is 4% more expensive than Washington based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Washington equals $100,000 in Maryland?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Maryland, you would need approximately $96,167 in Washington. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (117.4 vs 112.9).
How do housing costs compare between Maryland and Washington?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Maryland. Median home prices are $420,000 in Maryland vs $580,000 in Washington — a $160,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,978/mo vs $1,656/mo.
What costs more in Maryland vs Washington?
Transportation is 19% lower in Maryland (index 100.7 vs 124). Housing is 19% higher in Maryland (index 141.3 vs 118.3). Utilities is 16% higher in Maryland (index 114.2 vs 98.8).
Is gas cheaper in Maryland or Washington?
Gas averages $3.50/gallon in Maryland and $4.69/gallon in Washington — a $1.19 difference per gallon.
Maryland vs Washington cost of living — how do they compare?
Maryland has an overall cost-of-living index of 117.4 and Washington has 112.9 (national average = 100). Maryland is 4% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Washington?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Maryland vs Washington paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
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
- Washington Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Maryland vs Washington Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Maryland — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Washington — How much house can you afford?
- 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.