District of Columbia
High tax burden · COL index 152
Wins 4 categories
Maryland
High tax burden · COL index 116
Wins 8 categories
District of Columbia's top income tax rate is 10.75% vs Maryland's 5.75%. Cost of living in District of Columbia (index 152) runs 31% higher than Maryland (index 116). Property taxes are meaningfully different: Maryland averages 0.97% annually vs District of Columbia's 0.56%. The median home in District of Columbia costs $640K vs $420K in Maryland.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
4
District of Columbia
8
Maryland
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Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or DC?
Overall cost of living in Washington, DC is 37.4% higher than in Baltimore, MD. The average listing price for a home in Washington, DC is $1,085,511, which is 157.0% higher than Baltimore, MD. The average cost of groceries in Washington, DC is 2.7% higher than Baltimore, MD.
Why are people moving away from DC?
For instance, many young couples leave DC to buy homes in places like Raleigh or Pittsburgh, where housing is more budget-friendly. Retirement also plays a role. Some older adults move to Florida or the Carolinas to enjoy a lower cost of living and warmer weather. Others want to live closer to family.
Is the District of Columbia a good place to live?
Who has higher taxes, Maryland or DC?
D.C. has the highest state income taxes but matches the federal standard tax deduction and has no tax on groceries or annual vehicle property taxes. Maryland also doesn't tax groceries or have an annual vehicle property tax.