Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,418 in Maryland versus $1,100 in Pennsylvania. Overall, Pennsylvania runs roughly 22% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $95,150 in Maryland and $60,698 in Pennsylvania — about 36% higher in Maryland. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Maryland vs Pennsylvania — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,100 runs about 22% 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 Pennsylvania?
- 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 $44,000 in Pennsylvania.
- Which has lower taxes, Maryland or Pennsylvania?
- Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Maryland/Pennsylvania — 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.