Maryland vs West Virginia Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$63,884
in Maryland
$85,227
in West 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 | West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 141.3 | 71.2 | +98% |
| Groceries | 105.4 | 96.3 | +9% |
| Utilities | 114.2 | 90.7 | +26% |
| Transportation | 100.7 | 97.8 | +3% |
| Healthcare | 106.6 | 95.2 | +12% |
| Dining & Misc | 108.4 | 94.7 | +14% |
| Overall | 117.4 | 88.0 | +33% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Maryland.
What things actually cost
| Item | Maryland | West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $420,000 | $170,000 | +$250,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,978/mo | $997/mo | +$981 |
| Gas price | $3.50/gal | $3.41/gal | +$0.09 |
| Electric bill | $133/mo | $98/mo | +$35 |
| Infant childcare | $18,946/yr | $9,692/yr | +$9,254 |
Salary equivalent: Maryland → West Virginia
What a Maryland salary buys you in West Virginia, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Maryland | Equivalent in West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $37,479 | +$12,521 |
| $75,000 | $56,218 | +$18,782 |
| $100,000 | $74,957 | +$25,043 |
| $150,000 | $112,436 | +$37,564 |
| $200,000 | $149,915 | +$50,085 |
Positive = your money goes further in West 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 33% more expensive than West Virginia overall. Maryland has an index of 117.4 vs 88 for West Virginia (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or West Virginia?
West Virginia is cheaper to live in. Maryland is 33% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $420,000 in Maryland vs $170,000 in West Virginia.
Is West Virginia cheaper than Maryland?
Yes, West Virginia is 33% 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 West Virginia?
Yes, Maryland is 33% more expensive than West Virginia based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in West Virginia equals $100,000 in Maryland?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Maryland, you would need approximately $74,957 in West Virginia. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (117.4 vs 88).
How do housing costs compare between Maryland and West Virginia?
Housing is significantly cheaper in West Virginia. Median home prices are $420,000 in Maryland vs $170,000 in West Virginia — a $250,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,978/mo vs $997/mo.
What costs more in Maryland vs West Virginia?
Housing is 98% higher in Maryland (index 141.3 vs 71.2). Utilities is 26% higher in Maryland (index 114.2 vs 90.7). Dining & Misc is 14% higher in Maryland (index 108.4 vs 94.7).
Is gas cheaper in Maryland or West Virginia?
Gas averages $3.50/gallon in Maryland and $3.41/gallon in West Virginia — a $0.09 difference per gallon.
Maryland vs West Virginia cost of living — how do they compare?
Maryland has an overall cost-of-living index of 117.4 and West Virginia has 88 (national average = 100). Maryland is 33% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and West Virginia?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Maryland vs West Virginia 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
- West Virginia Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Maryland vs West Virginia Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Maryland — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in West Virginia — 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.