Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,073 in Maryland versus $1,357 in Virginia. Overall, Maryland runs roughly 21% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $59,623 in Maryland and $90,685 in Virginia — about 34% higher in 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.
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
$1,073
$1,357
+26% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$219,300
$366,300
+67% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$59,623
$90,685
+52% in Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
61.4°F
59.9°F
+1.5°F in Maryland
Maryland vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Virginia?
- Maryland is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,073 runs about 21% below Virginia's $1,357, 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 $43,000 a year in Maryland versus $54,000 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 1/1 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.