State Comparison
Pennsylvania vs Maryland
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Pennsylvania leads in 9 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $265,000 in Pennsylvania vs $395,000 in Maryland — a $130,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Pennsylvania has a 3.07% top income tax rate while Maryland has a 5.75% top rate. Property tax rates are 1.58% vs 1.09%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Pennsylvania's index is 98.7 and Maryland's is 115.4 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Pennsylvania and Maryland data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania or Maryland more affordable?
Pennsylvania has a lower cost of living index (98.7) compared to Maryland (115.4), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — Pennsylvania or Maryland?
Overall, Pennsylvania has a lower combined tax burden. Pennsylvania has a 3.07% top income tax, 6% sales tax, and 1.58% property tax. Maryland has a 5.75% top income tax, 6% sales tax, and 1.09% property tax.
What are housing costs in Pennsylvania vs Maryland?
The median home price in Pennsylvania is $265,000 compared to $395,000 in Maryland. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,130/month in Pennsylvania vs $1,550/month in Maryland.
Which state is better for starting a business — Pennsylvania or Maryland?
LLC filing costs are $125 in Pennsylvania vs $100 in Maryland, with annual fees of $0 and $300 respectively. Pennsylvania's 3.07% top tax rate compared to Maryland's 5.75% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Pennsylvania to Maryland?
It depends on your priorities. Pennsylvania wins in 9 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
Get Weekly Financial Insights
State-specific tax updates, calculator tips, and money-saving strategies — free, no spam.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Related Comparisons
Comparing Pennsylvania and Maryland
When deciding between living in Pennsylvania or Maryland, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
Pennsylvania (PA) has a median household income of $67,587 with a cost of living index of 98.7. Maryland (MD) has a median household income of $90,203 with a cost of living index of 115.4.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Pennsylvania calculator or Maryland calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.