Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,418 in Maryland versus $1,331 in Maine. Overall, Maine runs roughly 6% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $95,150 in Maryland and $76,174 in Maine — about 20% higher in Maryland. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
5.5%
+0.5 pp in Maryland
Income Tax (top rate)
6.50%
7.15%
+0.7 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,418
$1,331
+6% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$365,200
$452,600
+24% in Maine
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$95,150
$76,174
+20% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
57.1°F
46.5°F
+10.6°F in Maryland
Maryland vs Maine — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Maine?
- Maine is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,331 runs about 6% 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 Maryland than in Maine?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $57,000 a year in Maryland versus $53,000 in Maine.
- Which has lower taxes, Maryland or Maine?
- Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Maryland/Maine — 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.