California
High tax burden · COL index 142
Wins 2 categories
Maryland
High tax burden · COL index 116
Wins 11 categories
California's top income tax rate is 13.3% vs Maryland's 5.75%. Cost of living in California (index 142) runs 22% higher than Maryland (index 116). The median home in California costs $790K vs $420K in Maryland.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
2
California
11
Maryland
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Score For My Profile →People Also Ask
Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or California?
Overall cost of living in Los Angeles, CA is 52.0% higher than in Baltimore, MD. The average listing price for a home in Los Angeles, CA is $1,350,980, which is 219.9% higher than Baltimore, MD. The average cost of groceries in Los Angeles, CA is 7.0% higher than Baltimore, MD.
Why are residents leaving Maryland?
Maryland is losing residents to lower-cost states at a high rate. While families pack their bags, citing crushing taxes and costs, state and local leaders are doubling down on their current policies.
Why is Maryland the best state to live in?
What salary is needed to live in Maryland?
As of May 23, 2026, the average annual pay for a Comfortable in Maryland is $35,797 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $17.21 an hour. This is the equivalent of $688/week or $2,983/month.