Quick answer
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent ($920/mo vs $1,550/mo). State income tax: Oklahoma (4.75%) vs Maryland (Up to 5.75%) — on a $120K salary that's $1,200/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Maryland vs Oklahoma
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 Oklahoma at a Glance
| Metric | Maryland | Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,550 | $920 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $315K | $210K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Baltimore ($1,550) | Oklahoma City ($920) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Baltimore ($1,550) | Oklahoma City ($920) |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | 4.75% ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 68/100 ✓ | 31/100 |
| 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: Oklahoma (4.75%).
Salary $80K
$800
/year saved in Oklahoma
Salary $120K
$1,200
/year saved in Oklahoma
Salary $200K
$2,000
/year saved in Oklahoma
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.
Oklahoma (OK)
Tax reality
Oklahoma has a progressive state income tax up to 4.75%. Property tax is low (~0.83% effective). Sales tax 4.5% state + local to 8-9%. No estate tax. Overall low cost, moderate tax.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Tornado risk is the highest in the US. Spring (April-June) severe thunderstorm season is intense and occasionally catastrophic.
- ✕Summers are hot and humid — 95°F+ routinely, with afternoon thunderstorms and humidity.
- ✕Winters include ice storms which can shut down the region for days (trees and power lines fall under the weight).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maryland or Oklahoma cheaper to live in?
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $920/mo vs $1,550/mo in Maryland, a $630/mo difference. Home prices: Oklahoma median is $210K vs $315K.
Maryland vs Oklahoma: which has lower state income tax?
Oklahoma has lower state income tax (4.75%) vs Up to 5.75% in Maryland. On an $80K salary that's $800/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $2,000/year.
Should I move from Maryland to Oklahoma?
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 Oklahoma?
Maryland's largest metros include Baltimore. Oklahoma's largest metros include Oklahoma City. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Maryland suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.