Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,418 in Maryland versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Virginia runs roughly 16% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $95,150 in Maryland and $64,017 in Virginia — about 33% higher in Maryland. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
5.3%
+0.7 pp in Maryland
Income Tax (top rate)
6.50%
5.75%
+0.8 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,418
$1,195
+16% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$365,200
$328,100
+10% in Maryland
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$95,150
$64,017
+33% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
57.1°F
59.9°F
+2.8°F in Virginia
Maryland vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Virginia?
- Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,195 runs about 16% below Maryland's $1,418, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maryland than in Virginia?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $57,000 a year in Maryland versus $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Maryland or Virginia?
- Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Maryland/Virginia — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.