Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,073 in Maryland versus $1,858 in Washington. Overall, Maryland runs roughly 42% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $59,623 in Maryland and $121,984 in Washington — about 51% higher in Washington. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.5%
+0.5 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
6.50%
None
+6.5 pp in Maryland
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,073
$1,858
+73% in Washington
Median Home Value
$219,300
$912,100
+316% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$59,623
$121,984
+105% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
61.4°F
53.5°F
+7.9°F in Maryland
Maryland vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Washington?
- Maryland is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,073 runs about 42% below Washington's $1,858, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maryland than in Washington?
- 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 $74,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Maryland or Washington?
- Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Maryland/Washington — 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.