Quick answer
Idaho has lower average 1BR rent ($1,380/mo vs $1,550/mo). State income tax: Maryland (Up to 5.75%) vs Idaho (5.8%) — on a $120K salary that's $60/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Idaho 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
Idaho vs Maryland at a Glance
| Metric | Idaho | Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,380 ✓ | $1,550 |
| Avg median home price | $445K | $315K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Boise ($1,380) ✓ | Baltimore ($1,550) |
| Priciest city | Boise ($1,380) | Baltimore ($1,550) |
| State income tax | 5.8% | Up to 5.75% ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 42/100 | 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: Maryland (Up to 5.75%).
Salary $80K
$40
/year saved in Maryland
Salary $120K
$60
/year saved in Maryland
Salary $200K
$100
/year saved in Maryland
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Idaho (ID)
Tax reality
Idaho has a 5.8% flat state income tax (moderate). Property tax is low (~0.6% effective). Sales tax 6%. No estate tax. Overall moderate tax burden.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Housing growth has outpaced wage growth. Long-time Idaho residents have been priced out of Boise proper.
- ✕Summer wildfire smoke affects air quality regularly — July through September can have multiple weeks of AQI 150-200+.
- ✕Idaho is deeply conservative politically, with some policy shifts (abortion, LGBTQ+, religion in schools) recently tightening. Boise specifically leans moderate; the rest of the state is more conservative.
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 Idaho or Maryland cheaper to live in?
Idaho has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,380/mo vs $1,550/mo in Maryland, a $170/mo difference. Home prices: Maryland median is $315K vs $445K.
Idaho vs Maryland: which has lower state income tax?
Maryland has lower state income tax (Up to 5.75%) vs 5.8% in Idaho. On an $80K salary that's $40/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $100/year.
Should I move from Idaho to Maryland?
Idaho has a 5.8% flat state income tax (moderate). Property tax is low (~0.6% effective). Sales tax 6%. No estate tax. Overall moderate tax burden.
What are the best cities in Idaho vs Maryland?
Idaho's largest metros include Boise. Maryland's largest metros include Baltimore. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Idaho suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.