Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,418 in Maryland versus $870 in South Dakota. Overall, South Dakota runs roughly 39% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $95,150 in Maryland and $74,714 in South Dakota — about 21% higher in Maryland. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax; South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
4.2%
+1.8 pp in Maryland
Income Tax (top rate)
6.50%
None
+6.5 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,418
$870
+39% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$365,200
$271,400
+26% in Maryland
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$95,150
$74,714
+21% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
57.1°F
45.8°F
+11.3°F in Maryland
Maryland vs South Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or South Dakota?
- South Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $870 runs about 39% 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 South Dakota?
- 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 $35,000 in South Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Maryland or South Dakota?
- Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax. South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Maryland/South Dakota — 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.