Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,052 in Alaska versus $1,418 in Maryland. Overall, Alaska runs roughly 26% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $98,152 in Alaska and $95,150 in Maryland — about 3% higher in Alaska. Alaska has no state income tax and no state sales tax; Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
6%
+6.0 pp in Maryland
Income Tax (top rate)
None
6.50%
+6.5 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,052
$1,418
+35% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$375,900
$365,200
+3% in Alaska
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$98,152
$95,150
+3% in Alaska
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
37.4°F
57.1°F
+19.7°F in Maryland
Alaska vs Maryland — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alaska or Maryland?
- Alaska is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,052 runs about 26% below Maryland's $1,418, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alaska than in Maryland?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $42,000 a year in Alaska versus $57,000 in Maryland.
- Which has lower taxes, Alaska or Maryland?
- Alaska has no state income tax and no state sales tax. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Alaska/Maryland — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.