Quick answer
Oregon has lower average 1BR rent ($1,495/mo vs $1,550/mo). State income tax: Maryland (Up to 5.75%) vs Oregon (Up to 9.9%) — on a $120K salary that's $4,980/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Maryland vs Oregon
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 Oregon at a Glance
| Metric | Maryland | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,550 | $1,495 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $315K ✓ | $472K |
| Cheapest city | Baltimore ($1,550) | Eugene ($1,400) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Baltimore ($1,550) | Portland ($1,590) |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% ✓ | Up to 9.9% |
| Avg walkability | 68/100 ✓ | 57/100 |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 2 |
✓ 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
$3,320
/year saved in Maryland
Salary $120K
$4,980
/year saved in Maryland
Salary $200K
$8,300
/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
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.
Oregon (OR)
Tax reality
Oregon has one of the highest state income taxes in the US — 9.9% on income over $125K. BUT zero sales tax, which benefits high spenders and makes Oregon a strong pick for buyers and frequent shoppers. Property tax is moderate (~1% effective). The estate tax kicks in at $1M.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕State income tax at 9.9% (top bracket, kicking in at ~$125K) is among the highest in the US. High earners considering Oregon should compare against Washington's 0% and factor $10,000+/year state tax hit.
- ✕Portland has real livability concerns downtown that haven't fully resolved. Outside central downtown, residential neighborhoods are fine, but the downtown office/retail core is struggling.
- ✕PNW cloud cover runs October-April just like Seattle — 150+ cloudy days per year. Seasonal affective disorder is real for transplants from sunny climates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maryland or Oregon cheaper to live in?
Oregon has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,495/mo vs $1,550/mo in Maryland, a $55/mo difference. Home prices: Maryland median is $315K vs $472K.
Maryland vs Oregon: which has lower state income tax?
Maryland has lower state income tax (Up to 5.75%) vs Up to 9.9% in Oregon. On an $80K salary that's $3,320/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $8,300/year.
Should I move from Maryland to Oregon?
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 Oregon?
Maryland's largest metros include Baltimore. Oregon's largest metros include Portland, Eugene. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Maryland suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.