Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,073 in Maryland versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Maryland runs roughly 6% cheaper on rent than Tennessee, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $59,623 in Maryland and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 6% higher in Tennessee. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
7%
+1.0 pp in Tennessee
Income Tax (top rate)
6.50%
None
+6.5 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,073
$1,142
+6% in Tennessee
Median Home Value
$219,300
$270,100
+23% in Tennessee
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$59,623
$63,204
+6% in Tennessee
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
61.4°F
61.3°F
+0.1°F in Maryland
Maryland vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Tennessee?
- Maryland is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,073 runs about 6% below Tennessee's $1,142, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maryland than in Tennessee?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $43,000 a year in Maryland versus $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, Maryland or Tennessee?
- Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/2 cities we track in Maryland/Tennessee — 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.