Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $904 in Arkansas versus $1,418 in Maryland. Overall, Arkansas runs roughly 36% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,583 in Arkansas and $95,150 in Maryland — about 36% higher in Maryland. Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax; Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.5%
6%
+0.5 pp in Arkansas
Income Tax (top rate)
3.90%
6.50%
+2.6 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$904
$1,418
+57% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$221,200
$365,200
+65% in Maryland
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,583
$95,150
+57% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
62.7°F
57.1°F
+5.6°F in Arkansas
Arkansas vs Maryland — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Maryland?
- Arkansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $904 runs about 36% 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 Arkansas 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 $36,000 a year in Arkansas versus $57,000 in Maryland.
- Which has lower taxes, Arkansas or Maryland?
- Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% 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 Arkansas/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.