Quick answer
Missouri has lower average 1BR rent ($1,100/mo vs $1,550/mo). State income tax: Missouri (5.4%) vs Maryland (Up to 5.75%) — on a $120K salary that's $420/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Maryland vs Missouri
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
Maryland vs Missouri at a Glance
| Metric | Maryland | Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,550 | $1,100 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $315K | $235K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Baltimore ($1,550) | Kansas City ($1,100) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Baltimore ($1,550) | St. Louis ($1,100) |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | 5.4% ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 68/100 ✓ | 44/100 |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 2 |
✓ 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: Missouri (5.4%).
Salary $80K
$280
/year saved in Missouri
Salary $120K
$420
/year saved in Missouri
Salary $200K
$700
/year saved in Missouri
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
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.
Missouri (MO)
Tax reality
Missouri has a progressive state income tax up to 4.95%. Property tax is low-moderate (~0.9% effective). Sales tax 4.225% state + local to 8-9%. No estate tax.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Summers are humid-subtropical — 90°F + 75% humidity from June through mid-September, plus severe thunderstorm season in spring.
- ✕Tornado risk is real. Missouri is in tornado alley and both Kansas City and St. Louis metros have had damaging tornadoes. Joplin (2011) was devastating.
- ✕St. Louis has real public safety concerns in specific city neighborhoods. North St. Louis has high violent crime; Central West End, The Hill, Soulard, and Tower Grove are generally fine. Knowing neighborhoods matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maryland or Missouri cheaper to live in?
Missouri has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,100/mo vs $1,550/mo in Maryland, a $450/mo difference. Home prices: Missouri median is $235K vs $315K.
Maryland vs Missouri: which has lower state income tax?
Missouri has lower state income tax (5.4%) vs Up to 5.75% in Maryland. On an $80K salary that's $280/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $700/year.
Should I move from Maryland to Missouri?
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.
What are the best cities in Maryland vs Missouri?
Maryland's largest metros include Baltimore. Missouri's largest metros include Kansas City, St. Louis. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Maryland suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.