D.C. suburbs; Cheaper to live in Virginia or Maryland?

Question

which state is cheaper to live in near DC?
Property taxes, cost of amenities, etc

Answer 1

I've lived in Bethesda, Fairfax County, and Columbia MD.

Where I lived in Fairfax County, right outside the city of Falls Church (near Seven Corners), was very affordable, and very safe. DC is very close. It was much more affordable in terms of getting something where you'd want to actually live than either Columbia (expensive) or Bethesda (so expensive it's stupid). Other areas in Fairfax Co. seem either a lot more expensive, a lot less safe, or both.

There are some areas of PG county that are not so bad, like Cheverly. Also further up towards Columbia on the east side of I-95, you have areas like Savage, Jessup, Elkridge, and Severn which are more affordable.

Property Tax is exorbitant everywhere. Gas is cheaper in Virginia (state gas tax is lower). VA income tax is slightly higher. Sales tax is 5% in both states. (Maryland Governor is probably going to raise all MD taxes, though, so that is subject to change).

Here's the thing. In MD, the traffic is merely BAD. In VA, it REALLY SUCKS.

Answer 2

I am 38 and my husband, daughter, and I bought a home several years ago in Alexandria. It IS very expensive but depending upon your job and salary, it is all relative. The commute, however, is going to be awful no matter where you live, although, I would not recommend - like the person above did, to live in DC. I think it is more expensive to live there than anywhere, the taxes are outrageous. I would rent, as you said, until some of the prices come down, and they will. A lot of my friends live further out, like in Fredericksburg etc. and commute to DC and Alexandria. There are many jobs with flex time and or remote working for a few days a week depending upon what you do and for those, I might suggest living further out. However, living near a metro station may help. There are so many ways to get into DC and if it is going to be tough you may as well be able to read the paper while you are commuting! I grew up in Springfield Virginia and have lived in this area for 31 years. West Springfield is a great place to live and still safe, some other parts of Springfield are not. If you are planning on starting a family, Fairfax County has one of the top school systems in the area and there is no need for private school or that additional cost. I have never had a strong opinion of Maryland and wouldn't live there unless I could afford to live in Bethesda or the likes. It is a trade-off in costs because VA has high personal property taxes (which you wouldn't have except for your car at first) but MDs sales tax is higher so day to day is more costly. I have always thought that VA was crime-statistically safer as well. Anyway, there is my two cents. Good luck to you. I have a love-hate relationship with this area because I grew up here but I hate the traffic and you judge everything by time, not distance when you go anywhere! But having the museums and the Kennedy center and all the festivals that DC close by (but not affecting you every day with the road closures etc.) is one incredible advantage. Take care! - Rebecca

Answer 3

Cheapest place to live is definitely Prince George's County, Maryland. But it isn't a particularly nice place at all.

You might want to look into the far eastern part of Montgomery County, Maryland (like Wheaton or Silver Spring). Might be noticeably cheaper than Chevy Chase, Bethesda, and Rockville.

Northern Virginia - Arlington and Alexandria are expensive because they are fairly large cities that are really close to DC.

Anywhere along highway 123 (McLean, Langley) or the Dulles Tollway (Reston, Sterling, Chantilly) is pricey.

Might want to check out Manassas (nice, but some distance from DC) or the Southwestern corner of the Beltway (like Annadale).

Answer 4

PG is CHEAP? WhAT! PG has the highest income tax rate in the state, I just moved from there last year. Charles County is nice, rural and a 30 minute drive to DC. Northern VA is all expensive, at least if you wish to live closer than an hour from the city.

Answer 5

I lived there 15 years ago. Sure was cheaper back then to live in the suburbs. I felt Bethesda was very decent. But now I am not so sure. I also lived in Adams Morgan when the rents were still decent. I heard they went way up but so did the crime rate. so maybe not too great of an idea.

Answer 6

Suburbs Of Dc

Answer 7

Well here's how it breaks down.

P.G. County, MD-Cheap to live, lots of crime.
Mont. County, Expensive, not as much crime.
VA, Still expensive, some crime, you're living in VA

Answer 8

Check out Laurel area or Columbia.