Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,418 in Maryland versus $889 in Montana. Overall, Montana runs roughly 37% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $95,150 in Maryland and $71,855 in Montana — about 24% higher in Maryland. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
None
+6.0 pp in Maryland
Income Tax (top rate)
6.50%
5.65%
+0.8 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,418
$889
+37% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$365,200
$311,800
+15% in Maryland
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$95,150
$71,855
+24% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
57.1°F
48.2°F
+8.9°F in Maryland
Maryland vs Montana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Montana?
- Montana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 37% 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 Montana?
- 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 $36,000 in Montana.
- Which has lower taxes, Maryland or Montana?
- Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Maryland/Montana — 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.