Maryland
High tax burden · COL index 116
Wins 3 categories
Virginia
Moderate tax burden · COL index 102
Wins 9 categories
Cost of living in Maryland (index 116) runs 14% higher than Virginia (index 102).
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
3
Maryland
9
Virginia
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Is Virginia or Maryland a better state to live in?
Virginia's overall cost of living is meaningfully lower than Maryland's: MERIC's Q1 2025 index puts Virginia at 101.4 versus Maryland at 114.9, a gap of 13.5 index points driven primarily by housing. Virginia's housing index is 105.2; Maryland's is 133.8.
Why are residents leaving Maryland?
Maryland is losing residents to lower-cost states at a high rate. While families pack their bags, citing crushing taxes and costs, state and local leaders are doubling down on their current policies.
Is it cheaper to live in VA or MD?
Housing: Maryland's median home price is $405,562 compared to $371,623 in Virginia, and monthly rent in Maryland averages $1,732 compared to $1,580. Utilities: The monthly utility prices are comparable, with Maryland averaging $664.27 and Virginia averaging $624.90.
Which has higher taxes, Virginia or Maryland?