cost of living in Maryland vs Virginia (Baltimore, Towson: car insurance, new construction)

[RedskinNation11]

Im a Virginian planning a move to the state of maryland within the next 4 months and i need go get an idea of how big of a difference cost of living will be for a young college student in Maryland.

[goldenage1]

If you are coming from Hampton, find a cost of living calculator and compare in to the town you will be living in. The costs in Maryland will vary a lot depending on whether you will live in College Park, Baltimore, or out in Salisbury or Frostburg. For example, this on: Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

I assumed a budget of $5,000, and Frostburg is 23% cheaper in housing and 5% cheaper in food. I expect that if you are going to College Park, it will be more expensive than Hampton.

[SunnyTXsmile]

Originally Posted by RedskinNation11

Im a Virginian planning a move to the state of maryland within the next 4 months and i need go get an idea of how big of a difference cost of living will be for a young college student in Maryland.

You will have to get significantly more specific than that for us to give you meaningful advice. Do you perhaps know the area you're intending to relocate to?

If not, you can find a place in Maryland that works with any budget.

Either way, good luck and welcome.

[goldenage1]

I ran the same calculator as before, and College Park is 19% more than Hampton, overall, but the housing is 69% more. They don't say how they count anything, however. Salisbury is 2% more than Hampton, but transportation is 11% more.

[RedskinNation11]

I plan on moving to the Towson/Baltimore area.

[SunnyTXsmile]

Originally Posted by RedskinNation11

I plan on moving to the Towson/Baltimore area.

Ahh, that helps. The good thing about Towson (and Baltimore, in general) is that there are pockets for pretty much any income level you can imagine (unlike some cities that are just downright expensive even in their less expensive zip codes).

In Towson, specifically, you have more affordable parts closer to the city and parts that cost a little more, like in the new construction areas, near the Circle, etc. With such a wide range in that area, you should easily be able to find something that works for your budget.

Also, as you know, with TSU right there, you'll have plenty of options to share a place with someone of similar age, should you wish (that will help with the bills and with mingling).

Welcome (soon) to the area!

[bonnielisabeth]

If you are paying for car insurance (not your parents) and you are planning on relocating your permanent address (not "keeping" your parents or family members as your permanent address), you should check to see what the car insurance rate increase might be in Maryland. I'm older and have a safe driving record and saw an increase.

Instead of charging you yearly personal property taxes on a car like in VA, Maryland basically charges you fees/taxes up front when the car is purchased and/or registered with the state. So, if you register a car in Maryland expect an upfront fee/tax.
More info: New to Maryland Titling and Registering Your Vehicle Information
"For vehicles less than 7 years old (Non-Residents):Vehicle(s) titled in a state with a tax rate equal to or higher than Maryland's 6% tax rate will cost $100. If the vehicle is registered in a state that imposes no tax, the tax will be assessed at 6% of the value of the vehicle. Vehicles from a state with a lower tax rate than Maryland's 6% will be taxed at the rate of the difference between the two states. Example: MD 6%, VA 3%, the difference is a 3% tax rate. Minimum tax - $100. When the value of the vehicle is less than $2,000, the 6% rate will apply."

So, you might want to do some math to see if you should keep your family's address as your permanent residence (if that is an option for you or that you want to consider) instead of moving independently to Maryland.

Also, the northern VA city data forum has a thread about this...not really for college students, but has some useful info:
//www.city-data.com/forum/north...and-taxes.html