Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,073 in Maryland versus $1,170 in Texas. Overall, Maryland runs roughly 8% cheaper on rent than Texas, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $59,623 in Maryland and $67,043 in Texas — about 11% higher in 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.
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
$1,073
$1,170
+9% in Texas
Median Home Value
$219,300
$264,900
+21% in Texas
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$59,623
$67,043
+12% in Texas
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
61.4°F
67.2°F
+5.8°F in Texas
Maryland vs Texas — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Texas?
- Maryland is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,073 runs about 8% below Texas's $1,170, 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 $43,000 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 1/8 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.