Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,004 in Alabama versus $1,418 in Maryland. Overall, Alabama runs roughly 29% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,376 in Alabama and $95,150 in Maryland — about 53% higher in Maryland. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6%
+2.0 pp in Maryland
Income Tax (top rate)
5.00%
6.50%
+1.5 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,004
$1,418
+41% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$138,600
$365,200
+163% in Maryland
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$44,376
$95,150
+114% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
63.3°F
57.1°F
+6.2°F in Alabama
Alabama vs Maryland — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Maryland?
- Alabama is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,004 runs about 29% 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 Alabama 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 $40,000 a year in Alabama versus $57,000 in Maryland.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or Maryland?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% 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 Alabama/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.