Virginia
99.1
composite · rank #28
- Housing
- 99.1
- Grocery
- 99.3
- Utilities
- 99.5
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026Virginia vs Maryland Cost of Living
Virginia has the lower cost of living by 22 index points. Compare category indexes and equivalent salaries in both directions.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Lower cost of living
Virginia is lower
22 index points lower. A $100,000 lifestyle in Maryland is roughly $81,833 in Virginia.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
Maryland
121.1
composite · rank #45
- Housing
- 149.1
- Grocery
- 109.3
- Utilities
- 113.2
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | Virginia | Maryland | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 99.3 | 109.3 | Virginia |
| Housing | 99.1 | 149.1 | Virginia |
| Utilities | 99.5 | 113.2 | Virginia |
| Transportation | 98 | 106.3 | Virginia |
| Health care | 96.9 | 106.9 | Virginia |
| Misc. goods & services | 99.6 | 109.5 | Virginia |
Grocery
Virginia99.3
Maryland109.3
Lower cost: Virginia
Housing
Virginia99.1
Maryland149.1
Lower cost: Virginia
Utilities
Virginia99.5
Maryland113.2
Lower cost: Virginia
Transportation
Virginia98
Maryland106.3
Lower cost: Virginia
Health care
Virginia96.9
Maryland106.9
Lower cost: Virginia
Misc. goods & services
Virginia99.6
Maryland109.5
Lower cost: Virginia
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in Maryland | Needed in Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $61,100 | $40,917 |
| $75,000 | $91,650 | $61,375 |
| $100,000 | $122,200 | $81,833 |
| $150,000 | $183,300 | $122,750 |
| $250,000 | $305,499 | $204,583 |
$50,000 origin salary
In Maryland$61,100
In Virginia$40,917
$75,000 origin salary
In Maryland$91,650
In Virginia$61,375
$100,000 origin salary
In Maryland$122,200
In Virginia$81,833
$150,000 origin salary
In Maryland$183,300
In Virginia$122,750
Housing gap
Virginia housing is 99.1; Maryland is 149.1.
Salary planning
$100,000 in Virginia is roughly $122,200 in Maryland.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
Virginia vs Maryland cost of living FAQs
Virginia has the lower cost of living by 22 index points. The composite indexes are 99.1 in Virginia and 121.1 in Maryland (US average = 100).
About $122,200 in Maryland would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Virginia, based on the composite indexes.
About $81,833 in Virginia would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Maryland.
Housing indexes are 99.1 in Virginia and 149.1 in Maryland. Housing is often the largest driver, but groceries, utilities, transportation, health care, and other goods also matter.
No. These are statewide averages of participating urban areas. Your city, neighborhood, housing choice, family size, and spending mix can produce a very different personal cost of living.
Virginia has the lower average index, but wages, taxes, insurance, schools, and job opportunities should also be compared.
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Composite index, category costs, and equivalent-salary examples.
Data period Q1 2026. Statewide urban-area averages; not personal budget calculations.