Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,418 in Maryland versus $1,166 in Utah. Overall, Utah 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 $74,925 in Utah — about 21% higher in Maryland. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.1%
+0.1 pp in Utah
Income Tax (top rate)
6.50%
4.50%
+2.0 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,418
$1,166
+18% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$365,200
$495,700
+36% in Utah
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$95,150
$74,925
+21% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
57.1°F
52.8°F
+4.3°F in Maryland
Maryland vs Utah — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Utah?
- Utah is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,166 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 Utah?
- 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 Utah.
- Which has lower taxes, Maryland or Utah?
- Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Maryland/Utah — 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.