Moving From Maryland to Pennsylvania: Home Prices and Taxes Compared
Moving From Maryland to Pennsylvania: Home Prices and Taxes Compared
I’m licensed in both states, and I get this question all the time. Here are the numbers side by side.
I’m Collin Boyer. I don’t only sell real estate. I also build homes, build or place manufactured homes, and develop and subdivide land, so if the right house isn’t out there, building is a real option.
Home prices (August 2026)
Maryland (statewide)
Median sale price: $445,000
Source: MD REALTORS
Baltimore metro
Median sale price: $425,000
Source: Bright MLS
Lancaster County, PA
Median sale price: $385,000
Source: LCAR
Adams County, PA
Median sale price: $370,000
Source: RAYAC
Cumberland County, PA
Median sale price: $361,630
Source: GHAR
York County, PA
Median sale price: $326,000
Source: RAYAC
Dauphin County, PA
Median sale price: $278,700
Source: GHAR
So a York County median house ran about $119,000 less than the Maryland statewide median (my math). County medians aren’t the same as comparing your exact house, but the gap is real.
Inventory
Maryland: new listings were down 23.6% in August, with about 3.0 months of supply (MD REALTORS).
Lancaster County: new listings were up 10.3% (LCAR).
More choices on the PA side, at least in Lancaster right now.
Transfer taxes when you buy
Pennsylvania: 1% state realty transfer tax plus a local share, usually about 1%. Who pays is negotiable (PA Revenue).
Maryland: 0.5% state transfer tax (Md. Tax-Prop. §13-203), plus county transfer and recordation taxes that vary by county.
Things that change when you cross the line
Property taxes are set by your PA municipality and school district. Look up the real bill on the house.
Income and local taxes are different. Ask a CPA how the move affects you, especially if you’ll still work in Maryland.
Commute. I-83 and US-15 traffic is real. Drive it at rush hour before you decide.
Septic and wells are more common in rural PA. Plan for an inspection on both.
Where Maryland buyers usually look
York County (close to I-83), Adams County (close to US-15 and Frederick), and Lancaster County. Some head up to the Harrisburg area too.
Call or text Collin at 717-991-5085.
Common moves we see: Westminster or Hampstead to Hanover, Hagerstown to Chambersburg or Greencastle, Frederick to Gettysburg or Waynesboro, and Bel Air to Stewartstown or Delta. We work all of PA and MD, so we can help on both ends.
FAQ
Are homes cheaper in Pennsylvania than Maryland?
In many areas, yes. In August 2026, Maryland’s median sale price was $445,000. York County, PA was $326,000 and Cumberland County was $361,630.
What transfer taxes do buyers pay in PA vs MD?
Pennsylvania has a 1% state transfer tax plus a local share, usually about 1%. Maryland has a 0.5% state transfer tax plus county transfer and recordation taxes. Who pays is negotiable in both states.
Can one agent help me sell in Maryland and buy in Pennsylvania?
Yes, if they’re licensed in both states. I’m licensed in Pennsylvania (RS353567) and Maryland (5014481).
Sources:
- MD REALTORS Aug 2026
- Bright MLS
- LCAR
- RAYAC
- GHAR
- PA Revenue
- Md. Tax-Prop. §13-203
Collin Boyer is a real estate agent with Real of Pennsylvania, serving all of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Licensed in Pennsylvania (RS353567) and Maryland (5014481). Call or text 717-991-5085. Real of Pennsylvania · (717) 344-5577. Equal Housing Opportunity. This post is general information, not legal or tax advice.