Virginia

Here's how much it costs to live comfortably in Virginia, Maryland

Published

10 months ago

June 11, 2025

Here's how much it costs to live comfortably in Virginia, Maryland

WASHINGTON – If you’re living in Virginia or Maryland and feeling the squeeze on your wallet, you’re not alone. A new 2025 study from SmartAsset reveals that both states are among the top 10 in the nation where residents need the highest salaries to live comfortably—a reflection of the region’s rising costs and high expectations for quality of life.

By the numbers:

The SmartAsset analysis, which uses the popular 50/30/20 budget rule (allocating 50% of income to necessities, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings or debt), found that the salary needed to live comfortably has jumped significantly across the country. On average, a single adult now needs about $5,844 more than last year to maintain a sustainable budget, while a family of four needs an extra $9,360.

In 2025, here’s what it takes to live comfortably in our region:

Maryland:

Single adult: $108,867

Family of four: $259,168

Virginia:

Single adult: $106,704

Family of four: $241,696

Both states saw notable year-over-year increases, with Maryland’s required salary for singles rising by 5.78% and Virginia’s by 6.74%. For families of four, the increase was 8.23% in Maryland and 2.76% in Virginia.

Why you should care:

The DMV region’s high salaries are driven by a combination of expensive housing, transportation, healthcare and other essentials. Proximity to Washington, D.C., and a robust job market—especially in government, tech and healthcare—pushes wages higher, but so do the costs of living.

SmartAsset’s data, drawn from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, reflects these realities. Even as wages rise, so too do the costs of everyday life, making it harder for residents to get ahead or save for the future.

Maryland and Virginia aren’t alone at the top. Hawaii, Massachusetts, California, New York, Washington and New Jersey rank before Maryland and Virginia in cost of living, also requiring six-figure incomes for singles to live comfortably. Hawaii tops the list with a whopping $123,467.20 income needed for a single adult to live comfortably, with Massachusetts not far behind with an income of $120,140.80.

Big picture view:

The study defines “living comfortably” as being able to cover not just basic needs like housing and groceries, but also having enough for hobbies, vacations, retirement savings, education funds and the occasional emergency. In other words, it’s not just about survival—it’s about having a little breathing room.

As the cost of living continues to climb, residents in Virginia and Maryland must earn more than ever just to keep up. For policymakers, employers, and families alike, these numbers are a wake-up call: in the DMV, comfort comes at a premium.

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Virginia

West Virginia State Police searching for missing woman last seen in Kingwood

Published

6 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

West Virginia State Police searching for missing woman last seen in Kingwood

Shania Moser (WVSP Image)

KINGWOOD, W.Va. (WBOY) — The West Virginia State Police are asking communities to keep an eye out for a missing woman last seen in Preston County.

According to a Facebook post by the WVSP, 29-year-old Shania Moser was last seen Thursday, March 26, at around 11 a.m. in the Albright Avenue area of Kingwood.

Moser is described in the post as having blonde hair and brown eyes, being 5′ 2″ tall, and was last seen wearing a purple hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and white Nike shoes.

At the time she was last seen she was driving a 2015 blue Ford Escape with a West Virginia registration reading 1G5016.

Those who have any information on the whereabouts of Moser are urged to call the WVSP at 304-329-1101.

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Virginia

West Virginia Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Lotto America on March 28, 2026

Published

18 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

The results are in for the West Virginia Lottery’s draw games on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on March 28.

Winning Powerball numbers from March 28 drawing

11-42-43-59-61, Powerball: 25, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from March 28 drawing

15-29-30-32-35, Star Ball: 09, ASB: 05

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 3 numbers from March 28 drawing

0-7-1

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from March 28 drawing

2-7-3-5

Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the West Virginia Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 11 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10:59 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Daily 3, 4: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.
Cash 25: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Virginia

WRIC ABC 8News wins awards at AP Broadcasters awards for continuous coverage, special program

Published

1 day ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

WRIC ABC 8News wins awards at AP Broadcasters awards for continuous coverage, special program

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — At Virginia’s Associated Press (AP) Broadcasters awards on Saturday, 8News received seven awards, including three first-place awards. Our team was recognized for our coverage on the Waverly Two and special programs during Black History Month.

On Saturday, March 28, 8News attended the 2026 Virginia AP Broadcasters Award, which recognizes broadcast news operations in Virginia and West Virginia.

News anchor Deanna Allbrittin and Digital Producer Ryan Nadeau were honored for their continuous coverage of the Waverly Two, two men who were found not guilty but were still sentenced to life in prison.

We were also awarded first place in the Best Special Stream category for “Riverfront Rhythm” and Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for “What is Black?“, a special program during Black History Month from 8New’s Lindsey West.

Additionally, MaryCatherine Price received second place for Best Daily Stream for her podcast, “The Rundown.” It is a podcast that gives viewers an inside look into the newsroom.

Our Taking Action team was also a finalist for Best Multi-Platform Story for our continuous coverage of “Homeowner Horrors” throughout Central Virginia. We were also a finalist for Best News Promo on the “Richmond Tax Delinquency.”

Lastly, our very own Nolan Knight earned second place for Best Sports Anchor for his groundbreaking coverage on local sports in Virginia. He was also recognized at the 2025 AP Broadcast Awards for his coverage of Virginia sports.

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