Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $1,418 in Maryland. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 45% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $95,150 in Maryland — about 32% higher in Maryland. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% 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)
3.80%
6.50%
+2.7 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$1,418
+82% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$177,100
$365,200
+106% in Maryland
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$95,150
+48% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
57.1°F
+7.8°F in Maryland
Iowa vs Maryland — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Maryland?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 45% 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 Iowa 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 $31,000 a year in Iowa versus $57,000 in Maryland.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Maryland?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% 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 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/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.