State Comparison
Pennsylvania vs Maryland
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics using documented public datasets and estimates, with sources listed below.
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 $294,000 in Pennsylvania vs $436,000 in Maryland — a $142,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Pennsylvania has a 3.07% top income tax rate while Maryland has a 6.5% top rate. Property tax rates are 1.26% vs 0.92%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Pennsylvania's index is 96.2 and Maryland's is 121.1 (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 (96.2) compared to Maryland (121.1), 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?
It depends on what you earn, spend, and own — the three rates below apply to different bases (income, purchases, and home value), so they cannot be added into a single burden figure. On the headline rates alone, Pennsylvania is lower on more of them. Pennsylvania has a 3.07% top income tax, 6% state sales tax, and a 1.26% effective property tax rate. Maryland has a 6.5% top income tax, 6% state sales tax, and a 0.92% effective property tax rate.
What are housing costs in Pennsylvania vs Maryland?
The typical home value in Pennsylvania is $294,000 compared to $436,000 in Maryland (Zillow Home Value Index, June 2026). For renters, HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit — the 40th-percentile gross rent, not an average — is $1,501/month in Pennsylvania vs $1,955/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 $7 and $300 respectively. Pennsylvania's 3.07% top tax rate compared to Maryland's 6.5% 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.
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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 drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey), the Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rents, Zillow's Home Value Index, the NAIC's insurance databases, the U.S. Department of Labor, C2ER's Cost of Living Index, and state agencies, to give you a comprehensive overview.
Pennsylvania (PA) has a median household income of $77,545 with a cost of living index of 96.2. Maryland (MD) has a median household income of $102,905 with a cost of living index of 121.1. Income figures are Census ACS 1-year estimates (table B19013, 2024); the cost-of-living index is C2ER's Q1 2026 survey via MERIC, where 100 is the national average of surveyed cities.
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.
Sources per metric are named in each row's note above. Last reviewed . Some values are estimates; consult a qualified professional for financial advice.