Quick answer
Texas has lower average 1BR rent ($1,368/mo vs $1,550/mo). State income tax: Texas (None) vs Maryland (Up to 5.75%) — on a $120K salary that's $6,900/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Maryland vs Texas
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 Texas at a Glance
| Metric | Maryland | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,550 | $1,368 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $315K ✓ | $372K |
| Cheapest city | Baltimore ($1,550) | San Antonio ($1,180) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Baltimore ($1,550) | Austin ($1,650) |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | None ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 68/100 ✓ | 41/100 |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 5 |
✓ 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: Texas (None).
Salary $80K
$4,600
/year saved in Texas
Salary $120K
$6,900
/year saved in Texas
Salary $200K
$11,500
/year saved in Texas
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.
Texas (TX)
Tax reality
Texas has no state income tax — on $100K that's roughly $5,000-$9,000/year you keep vs California. The catch: Texas property tax averages 1.6-2.3% annually, among the highest in the US. For renters, it's a pure win. For homeowners, a $450K home costs you $7,200-$10,300/year in property tax.
Top cities (5 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Summer heat is genuinely dangerous — 100°F+ days stretch from June through September, and the grid has failed multiple times (Uri 2021, summer 2023). Outdoor time is limited to early morning or after sundown.
- ✕Property taxes are the trade-off for no income tax. On a $450K home you'll pay $7,500-$10,500/year in property taxes — the highest in the country alongside New Jersey and Illinois.
- ✕Car dependency is near-total outside a few Austin and Houston neighborhoods. You will drive everywhere, including to the grocery store. Expect $400-$600/mo in all-in car costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maryland or Texas cheaper to live in?
Texas has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,368/mo vs $1,550/mo in Maryland, a $182/mo difference. Home prices: Maryland median is $315K vs $372K.
Maryland vs Texas: which has lower state income tax?
Texas has lower state income tax (None) vs Up to 5.75% in Maryland. On an $80K salary that's $4,600/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $11,500/year.
Should I move from Maryland to Texas?
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 Texas?
Maryland's largest metros include Baltimore. Texas's largest metros include Austin, Houston, Dallas. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Maryland suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.