Quick answer
Maryland has lower average 1BR rent ($1,550/mo vs $1,850/mo). State income tax: Illinois (4.95%) vs Maryland (Up to 5.75%) — on a $120K salary that's $960/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Illinois vs Maryland
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Illinois vs Maryland at a Glance
| Metric | Illinois | Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,850 | $1,550 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $340K | $315K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Baltimore ($1,550) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Baltimore ($1,550) |
| State income tax | 4.95% ✓ | Up to 5.75% |
| Avg walkability | 78/100 ✓ | 68/100 |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 1 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Illinois (4.95%).
Salary $80K
$640
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $120K
$960
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $200K
$1,600
/year saved in Illinois
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Illinois (IL)
Tax reality
Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax (moderate) — but property taxes are among the highest in the US, averaging 2.1% effective. On a $350K Chicago home that's $7,400/year. Combined tax burden is higher than it looks. The state's pension underfunding creates long-term fiscal risk for homeowners.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Property tax is brutal — Cook County averages 2.3% effective. On a $500K home, that's $11,500/year. Homeowners feel this every month.
- ✕Chicago winters are genuinely cold. Lake-effect snow, mid-December through March subzero streaks, and winds off Lake Michigan can make it feel -20°F. This is the biggest filter for people considering moving here.
- ✕The state fiscal situation (pension debt, budget pressures) drives ongoing policy uncertainty — property tax, sales tax, and various fees continue to drift upward.
Maryland (MD)
Tax reality
Maryland has a progressive state income tax up to 5.75% plus a local county tax (1.75-3.2% depending on county — Montgomery County is 3.2%). Combined state+local top rate is around 9% for high earners in DC suburbs. Property tax is moderate (~1.1% effective). No estate tax below $5M.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Maryland state + local income tax combined hits 9% for high earners in Montgomery County — among the highest in the US.
- ✕Baltimore city has real violent crime — top-5 US city for homicide per capita. Specific neighborhoods are safe; others have serious crime. Visitors and new residents should research neighborhoods carefully.
- ✕DC-suburb traffic is notorious — I-270, I-495 (Beltway), and US-29 are all regularly gridlocked. Metro Red Line offers an alternative for some commuters but has reliability issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois or Maryland cheaper to live in?
Maryland has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,550/mo vs $1,850/mo in Illinois, a $300/mo difference. Home prices: Maryland median is $315K vs $340K.
Illinois vs Maryland: which has lower state income tax?
Illinois has lower state income tax (4.95%) vs Up to 5.75% in Maryland. On an $80K salary that's $640/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $1,600/year.
Should I move from Illinois to Maryland?
Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax (moderate) — but property taxes are among the highest in the US, averaging 2.1% effective. On a $350K Chicago home that's $7,400/year. Combined tax burden is higher than it looks. The state's pension underfunding creates long-term fiscal risk for homeowners.
What are the best cities in Illinois vs Maryland?
Illinois's largest metros include Chicago. Maryland's largest metros include Baltimore. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Illinois suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.