Cost of Living in Maryland
Based on 1 city we track in Maryland.
Cost of living in Maryland is shaped mostly by rent across the 1 city we track there. A one-bedroom apartment runs around $1,073 a month — 10% lower than the $1,191 median across the 28 states we track.
Median household income across those cities is $59,623, 17% lower than the $71,716 median across the states we track. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Medians
Median 1BR Rent
$1,073
Median Home Value
$219,300
Median Income
$59,623
Avg Temperature
61.4°F
Medians across the Maryland cities we track — not a statewide population-weighted figure.
State Taxes
State Sales Tax
6%
State Income Tax (top rate)
Up to 6.50%
Cities in Maryland
Compare Maryland with
Maryland cost of living — FAQ
- Is Maryland expensive to live in?
- Maryland is around the middle of the 28 states we track. Its median one-bedroom rent of $1,073 ranks #19 of 28 and is 10% lower than the $1,191 median.
- What is the average rent in Maryland?
- Across the 1 city we track in Maryland, average rent runs a studio around $1,050, a one-bedroom around $1,073, a two-bedroom around $1,353, a three-bedroom around $1,555 per month (US Census ACS).
- What is the median home price in Maryland?
- The median home value across the cities we track in Maryland is $219,300 — 31% lower than the $317,950 median across the states we track.
- Does Maryland have a state income tax?
- Yes — Maryland's top state income tax rate is 6.50% (most filers pay less than the top rate). Its state sales tax rate is 6%; local jurisdictions may add more.
- How much do you need to earn to live in Maryland?
- To keep a one-bedroom rent of $1,073 near the recommended 30% of gross income, you'd want to earn roughly $43,000 a year. Median household income across the cities we track in Maryland is $59,623.
Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026 (state taxes).