Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,073 in Maryland versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 21% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $59,623 in Maryland and $51,888 in Wisconsin — about 13% higher in Maryland. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
5%
+1.0 pp in Maryland
Income Tax (top rate)
6.50%
7.65%
+1.2 pp in Wisconsin
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,073
$849
+21% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$219,300
$172,000
+22% in Maryland
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$59,623
$51,888
+13% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
61.4°F
47.9°F
+13.5°F in Maryland
Maryland vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 21% below Maryland's $1,073, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maryland than in Wisconsin?
- 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 $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, Maryland or Wisconsin?
- Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Maryland/Wisconsin — 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.