Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,418 in Maryland versus $1,170 in Texas. Overall, Texas runs roughly 18% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $95,150 in Maryland and $67,043 in Texas — about 30% higher in Maryland. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.25%
+0.3 pp in Texas
Income Tax (top rate)
6.50%
None
+6.5 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,418
$1,170
+18% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$365,200
$264,900
+27% in Maryland
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$95,150
$67,043
+30% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
57.1°F
67.2°F
+10.1°F in Texas
Maryland vs Texas — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Texas?
- Texas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,170 runs about 18% 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 Texas?
- 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 $47,000 in Texas.
- Which has lower taxes, Maryland or Texas?
- Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/8 cities we track in Maryland/Texas — 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.