Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,305 in Colorado versus $1,073 in Maryland. Overall, Maryland runs roughly 18% cheaper on rent than Colorado, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,364 in Colorado and $59,623 in Maryland — about 30% higher in Colorado. Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax; Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
2.9%
6%
+3.1 pp in Maryland
Income Tax (top rate)
4.40%
6.50%
+2.1 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,305
$1,073
+18% in Colorado
Median Home Value
$586,700
$219,300
+63% in Colorado
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,364
$59,623
+30% in Colorado
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.2°F
61.4°F
+11.2°F in Maryland
Colorado vs Maryland — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Maryland?
- Maryland is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,073 runs about 18% below Colorado's $1,305, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Colorado 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 $52,000 a year in Colorado versus $43,000 in Maryland.
- Which has lower taxes, Colorado or Maryland?
- Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% 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 3/1 cities we track in Colorado/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.