Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,418 in Maryland versus $1,126 in Minnesota. Overall, Minnesota runs roughly 21% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $95,150 in Maryland and $80,269 in Minnesota — about 16% higher in Maryland. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.875%
+0.9 pp in Minnesota
Income Tax (top rate)
6.50%
9.85%
+3.3 pp in Minnesota
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,418
$1,126
+21% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$365,200
$287,500
+21% in Maryland
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$95,150
$80,269
+16% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
57.1°F
47.1°F
+10.0°F in Maryland
Maryland vs Minnesota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Minnesota?
- Minnesota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,126 runs about 21% 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 Minnesota?
- 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 $45,000 in Minnesota.
- Which has lower taxes, Maryland or Minnesota?
- Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Maryland/Minnesota — 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.