Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,235 in Florida versus $1,418 in Maryland. Overall, Florida runs roughly 13% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $69,142 in Florida and $95,150 in Maryland — about 27% higher in Maryland. Florida has no state income tax and a 6% 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%
6%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
None
6.50%
+6.5 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,235
$1,418
+15% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$320,700
$365,200
+14% in Maryland
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$69,142
$95,150
+38% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
71.8°F
57.1°F
+14.7°F in Florida
Florida vs Maryland — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Florida or Maryland?
- Florida is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,235 runs about 13% 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 Florida 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 $49,000 a year in Florida versus $57,000 in Maryland.
- Which has lower taxes, Florida or Maryland?
- Florida has no state income tax and a 6% 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 2/3 cities we track in Florida/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.