Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,978 in Massachusetts versus $1,418 in Maryland. Overall, Maryland runs roughly 28% cheaper on rent than Massachusetts, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $94,755 in Massachusetts and $95,150 in Maryland. Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% state sales tax; Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
6%
+0.3 pp in Massachusetts
Income Tax (top rate)
9.00%
6.50%
+2.5 pp in Massachusetts
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,978
$1,418
+28% in Massachusetts
Median Home Value
$710,400
$365,200
+49% in Massachusetts
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$94,755
$95,150
+0% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
51.5°F
57.1°F
+5.6°F in Maryland
Massachusetts vs Maryland — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts or Maryland?
- Maryland is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,418 runs about 28% below Massachusetts's $1,978, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Massachusetts 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 $79,000 a year in Massachusetts versus $57,000 in Maryland.
- Which has lower taxes, Massachusetts or Maryland?
- Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% 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 Massachusetts/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.