New Jersey vs Maryland: Which Is Better to Live In?
New Jersey ranks #28 of 50 overall and Maryland #31 as of the latest release. Maryland is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 105 vs 108.8), collects a similar share of income in taxes. Overall they are 1.4 points apart, too close to call: New Jersey leads 5 of 11 categories, Maryland leads 6.
- Violent crime rate is 46% lower in New Jersey (194 vs. 358 in Maryland).
- Property crime rate is 31% lower in New Jersey (1,250 vs. 1,820 in Maryland).
- Income needed to buy the typical home is 31% lower in Maryland ($116,485 vs. $167,639 in New Jersey).
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | GapNJ−MD | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall scorecomposite of 100, rank of 50Gap +1.4 pts | 55.0#28 of 50 · C+ | 53.6#31 of 50 · C+ | +1.4 pts | — | Even |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +3.8 pts (+4%) · US 100 | 108.8#48 of 50 | 105#44 of 50 | +3.8 pts+4% | 100 | MD |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap -$13,120 · US -$11,758 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | -$30,684#39 of 50 | -$13,120 | -$11,758 | MD |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$152,045 (+35%) · US $368,697 | $580,353#46 of 50 | $428,308#35 of 50 | +$152,045+35% | $368,697 | MD |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +0.26 pts · US 8.74% | 10.3%#45 of 50 | 10.04%#42 of 50 | +0.26 pts | 8.74% | Even |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -164 (-46%) · US 328 | 194#6 of 50 | 358#34 of 50 | -164-46% | 328 | NJ |
| Median household incomeGap +$1,389 (+1%) · US $80,903 | $104,294#2 of 50 | $102,905#3 of 50 | +$1,389+1% | $80,903 | Even |
| High school graduation rateGap -1.1 pts · US 85.62% | 85.2%#31 of 50 | 86.3%#26 of 50 | -1.1 pts | 85.62% | MD |
| Life expectancyGap +1.8 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.6#3 of 50 | 77.8#20 of 50 | +1.8 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -5,742 · US -33 | -19,370#47 of 50 | -13,628#45 of 50 | -5,742 | -33 | MD |
Cost of living index from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (US = 100). Left after costs from the America's Dashboard affordability engine for a family of four earning $75,000. Typical home value from Zillow Research. Tax burden from WalletHub. Violent crime from the FBI, per 100,000 residents. Income and graduation from the Census Bureau and NCES. Life expectancy from the CDC. Net households from IRS Statistics of Income. US column is the 50-state average or median.
Is New Jersey or Maryland better to live in?
New Jersey scores 55 and Maryland scores 53.6 out of 100, a 1.4-point gap this site treats as even. New Jersey leads 5 of 11 categories, Maryland leads 6, and 0 are within 3 points.
| Category | Weight | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | Gap | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy15% of scoregap -15.9 | 15% | 49.4#22 · B | 65.3#6 · A | -15.9 pts | MD |
| Safety12% of scoregap +21.5 | 12% | 81.8#7 · A | 60.3#37 · C | +21.5 pts | NJ |
| Health12% of scoregap +14.5 | 12% | 78.1#4 · A+ | 63.6#15 · B+ | +14.5 pts | NJ |
| Education12% of scoregap +19.3 | 12% | 74.8#5 · A+ | 55.5#31 · C+ | +19.3 pts | NJ |
| Affordability10% of scoregap -10.7 | 10% | 39.6#45 · D | 50.3#39 · C | -10.7 pts | MD |
| Fiscal Health8% of scoregap -21.8 | 8% | 33.2#49 · F | 55.0#35 · C | -21.8 pts | MD |
| Growth7% of scoregap -10.1 | 7% | 19.7#46 · D | 29.8#37 · C | -10.1 pts | MD |
| Transportation7% of scoregap +5 | 7% | 45.9#36 · C | 40.9#45 · D | +5 pts | NJ |
| Livability7% of scoregap +4 | 7% | 25.7#39 · C | 21.7#46 · D | +4 pts | NJ |
| Outdoor Access6% of scoregap -5.3 | 6% | 6.5#48 · D | 11.8#40 · C | -5.3 pts | MD |
| Environment4% of scoregap -8.7 | 4% | 37.4#31 · C+ | 46.1#19 · B | -8.7 pts | MD |
Scores run 0 to 100 within each category; weight is the category's share of the composite. Grades follow rank (1–5 A+, 6–10 A, 11–18 B+, 19–26 B, 27–34 C+, 35–42 C, 43–48 D, 49–50 F). Methodology →
Is New Jersey cheaper than Maryland?
Maryland is cheaper: cost of living index 105 vs 108.8 in New Jersey (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 keeps $13,120 more a year in Maryland after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | GapNJ−MD | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +3.8 pts (+4%) · US 100 | 108.8#48 of 50 | 105#44 of 50 | +3.8 pts+4% | 100 | MD |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap +4.6 pts (+4%) · US 100 | 107.1#48 of 50 | 102.5#42 of 50 | +4.6 pts+4% | 100 | MD |
| Residential electricity priceGap +3.15¢ (+16%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | 19.48¢/kWh#38 of 50 | +3.15¢+16% | 17.84¢/kWh | MD |
| Residential natural gas priceGap -$1.93 (-12%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | $16.14/Mcf#28 of 50 | -$1.93-12% | $15.83/Mcf | NJ |
| Gasoline priceGap -$0.12 (-4%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | $3.32/gal#33 of 50 | -$0.12-4% | $3.32/gal | NJ |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap -$2,147 (-11%) · US $15,633 | $17,977#35 of 50 | $20,124#40 of 50 | -$2,147-11% | $15,633 | NJ |
Cost of living index and the price level for goods from the Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (US = 100). Electricity, natural gas and gasoline prices from the EIA; center-based infant care from Child Care Aware of America. Lower is ahead.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | GapNJ−MD | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Adultearning $75,000Gap -$10,543 | +$16,327costs $58,674 | +$26,870costs $48,131 | -$10,543 | MD |
| Couple, No Kidsearning $75,000Gap -$13,389 | +$3,147costs $71,854 | +$16,536costs $58,463 | -$13,389 | MD |
| Family of 4earning $75,000Gap -$13,120 | -$43,804costs $118,804 | -$30,684costs $105,684 | -$13,120 | MD |
| Retiree Coupleearning $75,000Gap -$11,610 | +$18,501costs $56,499 | +$30,111costs $44,889 | -$11,610 | MD |
Income left after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and state and local taxes for four household types earning $75,000, from the affordability engine. Negative means typical costs exceed take-home pay.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | GapNJ−MD | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HousingGap +$18,379 | $48,737 | $30,358 | +$18,379 | MD |
| ChildcareGap -$4,294 | $35,954 | $40,248 | -$4,294 | NJ |
| UtilitiesGap +$182 | $5,222 | $5,040 | +$182 | Even |
| GroceriesGap +$518 | $12,063 | $11,545 | +$518 | MD |
| TransportationGap -$377 | $10,057 | $10,434 | -$377 | Even |
| State and local taxesGap -$1,288 | $6,771 | $8,059 | -$1,288 | NJ |
Annual cost lines for a family of four (two adults, two children). Lower is ahead.
Which has lower taxes, New Jersey or Maryland?
New Jersey and Maryland collect a similar share of income in state and local taxes: 10.3% vs 10.04%. New Jersey has high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack; Maryland has high income tax, low sales tax, with property tax in the middle of the pack.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | GapNJ−MD | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +0.26 pts · US 8.74% | 10.3%#45 of 50 | 10.04%#42 of 50 | +0.26 pts | 8.74% | Even |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap +2.8 pts · US 5.46% | 11.75%#47 of 50 | 8.95%#43 of 50 | +2.8 pts | 5.46% | MD |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap +1.31 pts · US 1.02% | 2.33%#50 of 50 | 1.02%#30 of 50 | +1.31 pts | 1.02% | MD |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +0.6 pts · US 6.66% | 6.6%#21 of 50 | 6%#11 of 50 | +0.6 pts | 6.66% | MD |
Total tax burden (state and local taxes as a share of personal income) from WalletHub; top marginal income tax rate, effective property tax rate and combined state and local sales tax from the Tax Foundation. Lower is ahead.
Are homes more expensive in New Jersey or Maryland?
Homes cost 35% more in New Jersey: a typical home value of $580,353 in New Jersey vs $428,308 in Maryland. Buying the typical home takes about $167,639 of income in New Jersey and $116,485 in Maryland; the median household earns $104,294 and $102,905.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | GapNJ−MD | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$152,045 (+35%) · US $368,697 | $580,353#46 of 50 | $428,308#35 of 50 | +$152,045+35% | $368,697 | MD |
| Home value change, one yearGap +3.9 pts · US +1.2% | +3.9%#8 of 50 | 0%#41 of 50 | +3.9 pts | +1.2% | NJ |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap +$565 (+29%) · US $1,948 | $2,513#45 of 50 | $1,948#35 of 50 | +$565+29% | $1,948 | MD |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap +$51,154 (+44%) · US $100,006 | $167,639#47 of 50 | $116,485#36 of 50 | +$51,154+44% | $100,006 | MD |
| Home value to income ratioGap +1.4x (+33%) · US 4.6x | 5.6x#41 of 50 | 4.2x#22 of 50 | +1.4x+33% | 4.6x | MD |
Typical home value, one-year change, largest-metro rent and income needed to buy from Zillow Research (a modeled estimate, not a median). Price-to-income ratio divides that typical home value by ACS median household income. Lower is ahead.
| NJ | MD | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment, 20% down | $2,986 | $2,204 |
| Income needed vs. median | +61% | +13% |
| Five-year change | +35.4% | +13.5% |
| Market temperature | Warm | Cool |
| Largest metro | Trenton | Baltimore |
Income needed vs. median: how far the income required to buy the typical home sits above (+) or below (−) the state's median household income. Temperature blends price cuts, days to pending and inventory against the national market (Zillow).
Do people earn more in New Jersey or Maryland?
Median household income is about the same, $104,294 in New Jersey and $102,905 in Maryland, with unemployment at 5.2% and 4%.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | GapNJ−MD | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeGap +$1,389 (+1%) · US $80,903 | $104,294#2 of 50 | $102,905#3 of 50 | +$1,389+1% | $80,903 | Even |
| Unemployment rateGap +1.2 pts · US 3.95% | 5.2%#46 of 50 | 4%#27 of 50 | +1.2 pts | 3.95% | MD |
| GDP per capitaGap +$5,463 (+8%) · US $64,333 | $73,820#9 of 50 | $68,357#16 of 50 | +$5,463+8% | $64,333 | NJ |
| Real GDP growthGap -0.3 pts · US +1.91% | +2%#24 of 50 | +2.3%#18 of 50 | -0.3 pts | +1.91% | Even |
| Population growthGap +0.12 pts · US +0.51% | +0.44%#26 of 50 | +0.32%#34 of 50 | +0.12 pts | +0.51% | Even |
Median household income from the Census Bureau ACS; unemployment from BLS LAUS; GDP per capita and real GDP growth from the BEA; population growth from Census Bureau estimates.
Is New Jersey safer than Maryland?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 358 in Maryland (FBI). Property crime runs 1,250 and 1,820 per 100,000.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | GapNJ−MD | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -164 (-46%) · US 328 | 194#6 of 50 | 358#34 of 50 | -164-46% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -570 (-31%) · US 1,535 | 1,250#12 of 50 | 1,820#43 of 50 | -570-31% | 1,535 | NJ |
FBI state crime estimates, offenses per 100,000 residents, latest release. Florida and North Dakota use the FBI's prior-year estimate because the latest year is based on limited data. Lower is ahead.
- Clifton, NJ166 violent per 100K
- Rockville, MD108 violent per 100K
Among each state's 20 tracked cities, latest FBI release.
Which has better schools and health, New Jersey or Maryland?
New Jersey scores higher for education (#5 of 50 vs #31), with high school graduation rates of 85.2% and 86.3%. New Jersey scores higher for health (#4 vs #15); life expectancy is 79.6 years in New Jersey and 77.8 in Maryland.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | GapNJ−MD | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap +14 · US 273 | 282#5 of 50 | 268#38 of 50 | +14 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap +8 · US 257 | 266#2 of 50 | 258#21 of 50 | +8 | 257 | Even |
| High school graduation rateGap -1.1 pts · US 85.62% | 85.2%#31 of 50 | 86.3%#26 of 50 | -1.1 pts | 85.62% | MD |
| Life expectancyGap +1.8 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.6#3 of 50 | 77.8#20 of 50 | +1.8 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Adults with obesityGap -5 pts · US 34.03% | 27.7%#4 of 50 | 32.7%#19 of 50 | -5 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap +1.4 pts · US 7.6% | 7.7%#27 of 50 | 6.3%#18 of 50 | +1.4 pts | 7.6% | MD |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap 0 pts (0%) · US 38.8 | 40#24 of 50 | 40#25 of 50 | 0 pts0% | 38.8 | Even |
High school graduation rate from NCES; life expectancy from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics; median air quality index from EPA AirData (lower is cleaner).
- Hoboken, NJeducation score 95.5
- Waldorf, MDeducation score 94
City education scores blend graduation rate, student-teacher ratio and per-pupil spending (NCES). State education scores combine NAEP math and reading with the graduation rate; health scores combine life expectancy, adult obesity and the uninsured rate. Education: New Jersey #5, Maryland #31. Health: New Jersey #4, Maryland #15.
Are more people moving from New Jersey to Maryland, or from Maryland to New Jersey?
3,135 households moved from New Jersey to Maryland and 2,483 moved from Maryland to New Jersey in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 652 households for Maryland. Movers to Maryland reported an average income of $81,254; movers to New Jersey reported $83,507. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 5,550 people (±1,553) moving from New Jersey to Maryland and 1,393 (±756) the other way, a net gain of about 4,157 people for Maryland beyond the margin of error.
Bars show people (Census ACS, latest release, with 90% margins of error). IRS counts tax-filing households and reports the movers' average income; pairs outside a state's top ten origins and destinations are not published.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | GapNJ−MD | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households moving inIRSGap +24,372 (+29%) | 107,653#14 of 50 | 83,281#18 of 50 | +24,372+29% | NJ |
| Households moving outIRSGap +30,114 (+31%) | 127,023#41 of 50 | 96,909#35 of 50 | +30,114+31% | MD |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -5,742 | -19,370#47 of 50 | -13,628#45 of 50 | -5,742 | MD |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap +0.2 | -2.0#44 of 50 | -2.2#46 of 50 | +0.2 | Even |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap +$21,369 (+26%) | $102,190#4 of 50 | $80,821#20 of 50 | +$21,369+26% | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap +$18,476 (+21%) | $106,727#3 of 50 | $88,251#10 of 50 | +$18,476+21% | NJ |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -2.0 | -3.9#45 of 50 | -1.9#41 of 50 | -2.0 | MD |
Each state's total inbound and outbound households and the movers' average income from IRS Statistics of Income; net domestic migration per 1,000 residents from Census Bureau population estimates. Latest releases.
Which is better for retirees, families or remote workers, New Jersey or Maryland?
New Jersey is the better fit for families; Maryland is the better fit for retirees, remote workers, young professionals, and small business; 1 of the six lifestyle indexes are within 4 places. Each index re-weights the same 11 category scores for one kind of household.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | GapNJ−MD | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FamiliesGap -18 places | #20score 69.6 | #38score 56.3 | -18 places | NJ |
| RetireesGap +7 places | #43score 52.6 | #36score 55.8 | +7 places | MD |
| Remote WorkersGap +9 places | #49score 29.7 | #40score 43.6 | +9 places | MD |
| Young ProfessionalsGap +9 places | #43score 41.3 | #34score 49.1 | +9 places | MD |
| Small BusinessGap +15 places | #46score 36.8 | #31score 52 | +15 places | MD |
| Outdoor EnthusiastsGap -1 places | #35score 34.3 | #36score 33.6 | -1 places | Even |
Rank of 50 on each lifestyle index. A state is called ahead when the ranks are at least 4 places apart.
- FamiliesNew Jersey (#20 vs #38)
- RetireesMaryland (#36 vs #43)
- Remote WorkersMaryland (#40 vs #49)
- Young ProfessionalsMaryland (#34 vs #43)
- Small BusinessMaryland (#31 vs #46)
- Outdoor EnthusiastsEven (#35 vs #36)
Which cities stand out in New Jersey and Maryland?
New Jersey has 20 tracked cities and Maryland has 20; the largest are Newark and Baltimore. The table picks the best city in each state for one purpose at a time.
| Best for | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD |
|---|---|---|
| Largest citypopulation | Newark310,178 people | Baltimore573,243 people |
| Highest composite scorecomposite score | Hobokenscore 74.2 | Bethesdascore 76.7 |
| Safest cityviolent crime per 100,000 | Clifton166 violent per 100K | Rockville108 violent per 100K |
| Cheapest citycost of living index | Vinelandcost index 96 | Baltimorecost index 104.5 |
| Most walkableEPA walkability index, 1 to 20 | Union Citywalkability 15.5 of 20 | Bethesdawalkability 14.3 of 20 |
| Cleanest airmedian air quality index, county | New Brunswickcounty median AQI 36 | Columbiacounty median AQI 33 |
| Best schoolsgraduation rate, % | Hoboken95.5% graduation rate | Waldorf94% graduation rate |
| Richest citymedian household income | Hobokenmedian income $180,579 | Potomacmedian income $236,675 |
| Fastest growingpopulation growth, % | Newark+1.1% growth | Frederick+3% growth |
Among the 20 tracked cities in each state. Census ACS, FBI, NCES and BEA data, latest releases.
How do New Jersey and Maryland compare on everything else?
State finances, environment, and getting around. New Jersey carries A+ credit rating and Maryland AAA.
Show fiscal, environment and commuting tables
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | GapNJ−MD | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable share of electricityGap -4 pts · US 29.34% | 8%#42 of 50 | 12%#36 of 50 | -4 pts | 29.34% | MD |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap +16.6 · US 29.6 | 16.6#14 of 50 | 0.0#1 of 50 | +16.6 | 29.6 | MD |
| Public land shareGap -0.6 pts · US 17.16% | 7.3%#26 of 50 | 7.9%#24 of 50 | -0.6 pts | 17.16% | MD |
| Mean travel time to workGap -0.4 min · US 25.2 min | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | 32.3 min#49 of 50 | -0.4 min | 25.2 min | Even |
| Commuters using public transitGap +4.7 pts · US 2.29% | 9.7%#2 of 50 | 5%#5 of 50 | +4.7 pts | 2.29% | NJ |
| Workers working from homeGap -2.1 pts · US 12.28% | 13.5%#19 of 50 | 15.6%#9 of 50 | -2.1 pts | 12.28% | MD |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap +0.4 pts · US 92.67% | 94.8%#6 of 50 | 94.4%#8 of 50 | +0.4 pts | 92.67% | Even |
Renewable share of electricity from the EIA; natural disaster risk from FEMA's National Risk Index; public land share from USGS PAD-US; mean travel time to work, transit and work-from-home shares from the Census Bureau ACS; households with a broadband subscription from the Census Bureau ACS.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | GapNJ−MD | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap -20 pts · US 92.7 | 80#48 of 50 | 100#14 of 50 | -20 pts | 92.7 | MD |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap -2.3 pts · US 12.39% | 5.2%#45 of 50 | 7.5%#39 of 50 | -2.3 pts | 12.39% | MD |
| Pension funded ratioGap -20 pts · US 74.3% | 55%#47 of 50 | 75%#25 of 50 | -20 pts | 74.3% | MD |
| State debt per capitaGap +$3,990 (+92%) · US $3,506 | $8,340#48 of 50 | $4,350#40 of 50 | +$3,990+92% | $3,506 | MD |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -1 pts · US +4.66% | +0.8%#47 of 50 | +1.8%#44 of 50 | -1 pts | +4.66% | MD |
Credit rating index (S&P / Moody's; New Jersey A+, Maryland AAA), rainy-day fund and budget balance as a share of spending (Pew, NASBO), pension funded ratio (Pew) and state debt per capita (Census Bureau).
New Jersey vs Maryland: every metric side by side
Every measure behind the category scores, with each state's rank of 50 and the US figure. New Jersey is ahead on 12 of 51, Maryland on 27, and 12 are even.
Show all 54 metrics
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | MarylandMD | GapNJ−MD | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationGap +3,282,868 (+52%) · US 6.8 million | 9.5 million#11 of 50 | 6.3 million#19 of 50 | +3,282,868+52% | 6.8 million | NJ |
| Median household incomeGap +$1,389 (+1%) · US $80,903 | $104,294#2 of 50 | $102,905#3 of 50 | +$1,389+1% | $80,903 | Even |
| Unemployment rateGap +1.2 pts · US 3.95% | 5.2%#46 of 50 | 4%#27 of 50 | +1.2 pts | 3.95% | MD |
| Population growthGap +0.12 pts · US +0.51% | +0.44%#26 of 50 | +0.32%#34 of 50 | +0.12 pts | +0.51% | Even |
| GDP per capitaGap +$5,463 (+8%) · US $64,333 | $73,820#9 of 50 | $68,357#16 of 50 | +$5,463+8% | $64,333 | NJ |
| Real GDP growthGap -0.3 pts · US +1.91% | +2%#24 of 50 | +2.3%#18 of 50 | -0.3 pts | +1.91% | Even |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -164 (-46%) · US 328 | 194#6 of 50 | 358#34 of 50 | -164-46% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -570 (-31%) · US 1,535 | 1,250#12 of 50 | 1,820#43 of 50 | -570-31% | 1,535 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap -1.1 pts · US 85.62% | 85.2%#31 of 50 | 86.3%#26 of 50 | -1.1 pts | 85.62% | MD |
| NAEP math score, grade 4Gap +6 · US 237 | 240#10 of 50 | 234#39 of 50 | +6 | 237 | Even |
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap +14 · US 273 | 282#5 of 50 | 268#38 of 50 | +14 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 4Gap +6 · US 214 | 222#3 of 50 | 216#20 of 50 | +6 | 214 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap +8 · US 257 | 266#2 of 50 | 258#21 of 50 | +8 | 257 | Even |
| Life expectancyGap +1.8 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.6#3 of 50 | 77.8#20 of 50 | +1.8 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Adults with obesityGap -5 pts · US 34.03% | 27.7%#4 of 50 | 32.7%#19 of 50 | -5 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap +1.4 pts · US 7.6% | 7.7%#27 of 50 | 6.3%#18 of 50 | +1.4 pts | 7.6% | MD |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$152,045 (+35%) · US $368,697 | $580,353#46 of 50 | $428,308#35 of 50 | +$152,045+35% | $368,697 | MD |
| Home value change, one yearGap +3.9 pts · US +1.2% | +3.9%#8 of 50 | 0%#41 of 50 | +3.9 pts | +1.2% | NJ |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap +$565 (+29%) · US $1,948 | $2,513#45 of 50 | $1,948#35 of 50 | +$565+29% | $1,948 | MD |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap +$51,154 (+44%) · US $100,006 | $167,639#47 of 50 | $116,485#36 of 50 | +$51,154+44% | $100,006 | MD |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +3.8 pts (+4%) · US 100 | 108.8#48 of 50 | 105#44 of 50 | +3.8 pts+4% | 100 | MD |
| Home value to income ratioGap +1.4x (+33%) · US 4.6x | 5.6x#41 of 50 | 4.2x#22 of 50 | +1.4x+33% | 4.6x | MD |
| Residential electricity priceGap +3.15¢ (+16%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | 19.48¢/kWh#38 of 50 | +3.15¢+16% | 17.84¢/kWh | MD |
| Residential natural gas priceGap -$1.93 (-12%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | $16.14/Mcf#28 of 50 | -$1.93-12% | $15.83/Mcf | NJ |
| Gasoline priceGap -$0.12 (-4%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | $3.32/gal#33 of 50 | -$0.12-4% | $3.32/gal | NJ |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap +4.6 pts (+4%) · US 100 | 107.1#48 of 50 | 102.5#42 of 50 | +4.6 pts+4% | 100 | MD |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap -$2,147 (-11%) · US $15,633 | $17,977#35 of 50 | $20,124#40 of 50 | -$2,147-11% | $15,633 | NJ |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +0.26 pts · US 8.74% | 10.3%#45 of 50 | 10.04%#42 of 50 | +0.26 pts | 8.74% | Even |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap +2.8 pts · US 5.46% | 11.75%#47 of 50 | 8.95%#43 of 50 | +2.8 pts | 5.46% | MD |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap +1.31 pts · US 1.02% | 2.33%#50 of 50 | 1.02%#30 of 50 | +1.31 pts | 1.02% | MD |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +0.6 pts · US 6.66% | 6.6%#21 of 50 | 6%#11 of 50 | +0.6 pts | 6.66% | MD |
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap -20 pts · US 92.7 | 80#48 of 50 | 100#14 of 50 | -20 pts | 92.7 | MD |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap -2.3 pts · US 12.39% | 5.2%#45 of 50 | 7.5%#39 of 50 | -2.3 pts | 12.39% | MD |
| Pension funded ratioGap -20 pts · US 74.3% | 55%#47 of 50 | 75%#25 of 50 | -20 pts | 74.3% | MD |
| State debt per capitaGap +$3,990 (+92%) · US $3,506 | $8,340#48 of 50 | $4,350#40 of 50 | +$3,990+92% | $3,506 | MD |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -1 pts · US +4.66% | +0.8%#47 of 50 | +1.8%#44 of 50 | -1 pts | +4.66% | MD |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap 0 pts (0%) · US 38.8 | 40#24 of 50 | 40#25 of 50 | 0 pts0% | 38.8 | Even |
| Renewable share of electricityGap -4 pts · US 29.34% | 8%#42 of 50 | 12%#36 of 50 | -4 pts | 29.34% | MD |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap +16.6 · US 29.6 | 16.6#14 of 50 | 0.0#1 of 50 | +16.6 | 29.6 | MD |
| Public land shareGap -0.6 pts · US 17.16% | 7.3%#26 of 50 | 7.9%#24 of 50 | -0.6 pts | 17.16% | MD |
| Mean travel time to workGap -0.4 min · US 25.2 min | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | 32.3 min#49 of 50 | -0.4 min | 25.2 min | Even |
| Commuters using public transitGap +4.7 pts · US 2.29% | 9.7%#2 of 50 | 5%#5 of 50 | +4.7 pts | 2.29% | NJ |
| Workers working from homeGap -2.1 pts · US 12.28% | 13.5%#19 of 50 | 15.6%#9 of 50 | -2.1 pts | 12.28% | MD |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap +0.4 pts · US 92.67% | 94.8%#6 of 50 | 94.4%#8 of 50 | +0.4 pts | 92.67% | Even |
| Households moving inIRSGap +24,372 (+29%) · US 78,682 | 107,653#14 of 50 | 83,281#18 of 50 | +24,372+29% | 78,682 | NJ |
| Households moving outIRSGap +30,114 (+31%) · US 78,715 | 127,023#41 of 50 | 96,909#35 of 50 | +30,114+31% | 78,715 | MD |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -5,742 · US -33 | -19,370#47 of 50 | -13,628#45 of 50 | -5,742 | -33 | MD |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap +0.2 · US +0.4 | -2.0#44 of 50 | -2.2#46 of 50 | +0.2 | +0.4 | Even |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap +$21,369 (+26%) · US $77,690 | $102,190#4 of 50 | $80,821#20 of 50 | +$21,369+26% | $77,690 | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap +$18,476 (+21%) · US $77,024 | $106,727#3 of 50 | $88,251#10 of 50 | +$18,476+21% | $77,024 | NJ |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -2.0 · US +1.1 | -3.9#45 of 50 | -1.9#41 of 50 | -2.0 | +1.1 | MD |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap -$13,120 · US -$11,758 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | -$30,684#39 of 50 | -$13,120 | -$11,758 | MD |
| Left after costs, single adultearning $75K a yearGap -$10,543 · US +$31,418 | +$16,327#47 of 50 | +$26,870#36 of 50 | -$10,543 | +$31,418 | MD |
| Left after costs, retiree coupleearning $75K a yearGap -$11,610 · US +$35,970 | +$18,501#47 of 50 | +$30,111#38 of 50 | -$11,610 | +$35,970 | MD |
Every metric in the registry, direction-aware: ahead means better for a resident. Ranks are among the states with data. Sources are listed at the foot of the page.
Key takeaways
What the New Jersey and Maryland numbers say when read together.
Neither state is better overall
New Jersey (55, #28) and Maryland (53.6, #31) are within 2 composite points. New Jersey leads 5 categories, Maryland leads 6, and 0 are even. The answer depends on which categories matter to you.
Maryland is cheaper day to day
Maryland's cost of living index is 105 against 108.8 in New Jersey (US = 100). The typical home costs $580,353 in New Jersey and $428,308 in Maryland. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$43,804 a year after typical costs in New Jersey and -$30,684 in Maryland.
Tax burdens are close
New Jersey collects 10.3% of income in state and local taxes (high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack); Maryland collects 10.04% (high income tax, low sales tax, with property tax in the middle of the pack).
New Jersey is safer
Median household income is $104,294 in New Jersey and $102,905 in Maryland, with unemployment at 5.2% and 4%. Violent crime runs 194 per 100,000 residents in New Jersey and 358 in Maryland.
People move to Maryland on net
5,550 people moved to Maryland from New Jersey in the latest Census release, against 1,393 going the other way.
New Jersey for families, Maryland for retirees
For families, New Jersey ranks #20 of 50 and Maryland #38; for retirees, New Jersey ranks #43 and Maryland #36.
New Jersey vs Maryland: frequently asked questions
Is New Jersey or Maryland better to live in?
New Jersey ranks #28 of 50 overall and Maryland #31 as of the latest release. Maryland is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 105 vs 108.8), collects a similar share of income in taxes. Overall they are 1.4 points apart, too close to call: New Jersey leads 5 of 11 categories, Maryland leads 6.
Is New Jersey cheaper than Maryland?
Maryland is cheaper than New Jersey: cost of living index 105 vs 108.8 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 would have -$43,804 left after typical housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes in New Jersey, and -$30,684 in Maryland. The typical home value is $580,353 in New Jersey and $428,308 in Maryland.
Which has lower taxes, New Jersey or Maryland?
New Jersey and Maryland have similar tax burdens: 10.3% vs 10.04% of income in state and local taxes. New Jersey's top income tax rate is 11.75%, its effective property tax rate 2.33% and its combined sales tax 6.6%; Maryland's are 8.95%, 1.02% and 6%.
Is New Jersey safer than Maryland?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 358 in Maryland, per the FBI. New Jersey ranks #6 of 50 for violent crime and Maryland #34. Property crime is 1,250 per 100,000 in New Jersey and 1,820 in Maryland. The safest tracked cities are Clifton, NJ, and Rockville, MD.
Are homes more expensive in New Jersey or Maryland?
Homes are 35% more expensive in New Jersey: the typical home value is $580,353 in New Jersey and $428,308 in Maryland. Buying the typical home takes about $167,639 of household income in New Jersey and $116,485 in Maryland, against median incomes of $104,294 and $102,905.
Do people earn more in New Jersey or Maryland?
New Jersey and Maryland pay about the same: median household income is $104,294 vs $102,905, per the Census Bureau. Unemployment is 5.2% in New Jersey and 4% in Maryland.
Are more people moving from New Jersey to Maryland or from Maryland to New Jersey?
3,135 households moved from New Jersey to Maryland and 2,483 moved from Maryland to New Jersey in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 652 households for Maryland. Movers to Maryland reported an average income of $81,254; movers to New Jersey reported $83,507. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 5,550 people (±1,553) moving from New Jersey to Maryland and 1,393 (±756) the other way, a net gain of about 4,157 people for Maryland beyond the margin of error.
Which is better for retirees, New Jersey or Maryland?
Maryland is the better fit for retirees: #36 of 50 on the retiree index vs #43 for New Jersey. New Jersey has high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack; Maryland has high income tax, low sales tax, with property tax in the middle of the pack. A retiree couple on $75,000 would have +$18,501 left after typical costs in New Jersey and +$30,111 in Maryland.
Which is better for families, New Jersey or Maryland?
New Jersey is the better fit for families: #20 of 50 on the families index vs #38 for Maryland. Center-based infant care costs $17,977 a year in New Jersey and $20,124 in Maryland. High school graduation rates are 85.2% and 86.3%. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$43,804 after typical costs in New Jersey and -$30,684 in Maryland.
Which has better schools, New Jersey or Maryland?
New Jersey scores higher for education: #5 of 50 vs #31 for Maryland. Eighth graders average 282 in NAEP math in New Jersey and 268 in Maryland. High school graduation rates are 85.2% in New Jersey and 86.3% in Maryland, and the education category scores are 74.8 and 55.5 out of 100. Among tracked cities, Hoboken and Waldorf have the strongest school metrics.
Compare a different pair
Swap either state, or jump to the matchups people open alongside New Jersey vs Maryland.
Why this pair is featured: major moving corridor (3,135 households moved in the busier direction in the latest IRS release).