Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $782 in Indiana versus $1,418 in Maryland. Overall, Indiana runs roughly 45% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,293 in Indiana and $95,150 in Maryland — about 37% higher in Maryland. Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax; Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
7%
6%
+1.0 pp in Indiana
Income Tax (top rate)
2.95%
6.50%
+3.5 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$782
$1,418
+81% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$169,700
$365,200
+115% in Maryland
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,293
$95,150
+58% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
53.2°F
57.1°F
+3.9°F in Maryland
Indiana vs Maryland — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Indiana or Maryland?
- Indiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $782 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 Indiana 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 Indiana versus $57,000 in Maryland.
- Which has lower taxes, Indiana or Maryland?
- Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% 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 Indiana/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.