Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $1,073 in Maryland. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 18% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $59,623 in Maryland — about 8% higher in Kentucky. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% 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)
3.50%
6.50%
+3.0 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$1,073
+22% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$221,500
$219,300
+1% in Kentucky
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$59,623
+8% in Kentucky
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.2°F
61.4°F
+3.2°F in Maryland
Kentucky vs Maryland — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Maryland?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 18% below Maryland's $1,073, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky 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 $35,000 a year in Kentucky versus $43,000 in Maryland.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or Maryland?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% 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 1/1 cities we track in Kentucky/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.