Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $1,418 in Maryland. Overall, Idaho runs roughly 20% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $95,150 in Maryland — about 15% higher in Maryland. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% 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)
5.30%
6.50%
+1.2 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$1,418
+25% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$456,000
$365,200
+20% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$95,150
+17% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
57.1°F
+4.6°F in Maryland
Idaho vs Maryland — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Maryland?
- Idaho is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,133 runs about 20% 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 Idaho 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 $45,000 a year in Idaho versus $57,000 in Maryland.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or Maryland?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% 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 1/3 cities we track in Idaho/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.