State Comparison
Maryland vs Virginia
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Virginia leads in 10 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $395,000 in Maryland vs $380,000 in Virginia — a $15,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Maryland has a 5.75% top income tax rate while Virginia has a 5.75% top rate. Property tax rates are 1.09% vs 0.82%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Maryland's index is 115.4 and Virginia's is 103.7 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Maryland and Virginia data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maryland or Virginia more affordable?
Virginia has a lower cost of living index (103.7) compared to Maryland (115.4), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — Maryland or Virginia?
Overall, Virginia has a lower combined tax burden. Maryland has a 5.75% top income tax, 6% sales tax, and 1.09% property tax. Virginia has a 5.75% top income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.82% property tax.
What are housing costs in Maryland vs Virginia?
The median home price in Maryland is $395,000 compared to $380,000 in Virginia. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,550/month in Maryland vs $1,425/month in Virginia.
Which state is better for starting a business — Maryland or Virginia?
LLC filing costs are $100 in Maryland vs $100 in Virginia, with annual fees of $300 and $50 respectively. Maryland's 5.75% top tax rate compared to Virginia's 5.75% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Maryland to Virginia?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia wins in 10 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing Maryland and Virginia
When deciding between living in Maryland or Virginia, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
Maryland (MD) has a median household income of $90,203 with a cost of living index of 115.4. Virginia (VA) has a median household income of $80,615 with a cost of living index of 103.7.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Maryland calculator or Virginia calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.