10 Pros and Cons of Living in Maryland

Living in Maryland offers strong job opportunities, access to cities and nature, and excellent schools, but it also comes with high housing costs and long commutes. Renters are drawn to its cultural diversity, proximity to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, and historic roots. Taxes are still an issue in Maryland, though, and along with traffic and regional disparities, which makes it important to weigh the trade-offs before moving.

Methodology: We used internal Apartment List data and cross-referenced it with neighborhood data from Rent.com and Apartments.com to give you the most accurate snapshot of rents across Maryland’s largest metros as of September 2025. Crime grades are from CrimeGrade.org and Weichert.

Key Insights

Maryland renters face a higher cost of living but also enjoy strong income opportunities and excellent schools. As of September 2025, the average rent in Maryland is $2,165 statewide, which reflects a modest +0.2% year-over-year change. The median household income in Maryland is $102,905, one of the highest in the U.S.

Renters searching in Maryland will need to weigh regional trade-offs:

• D.C. suburbs are expensive but offer top schools and short commutes
• Baltimore provides more affordable rents with higher crime
• Western Maryland or the Eastern Shore trades lower housing costs for fewer jobs and longer drives

Wherever you live, Maryland offers a mix of affordability, urban living, and outdoor beauty, but it may take some time to figure out the right area for you.

Quick Facts About Maryland

Get an overview of Maryland with this snapshot of quick facts.

What Are the Main Pros and Cons of Living in Maryland?

Before you move to Maryland, here are the pros and cons to weigh.

1. Pro: Strong Job Market

Maryland has one of the highest median household incomes in the U.S. of $102,905, thanks to its proximity to Washington, D.C. Federal agencies, healthcare, defense, and biotech provide a steady supply of well-paying jobs.

Major employers like Johns Hopkins, Northrop Grumman, and NIH anchor the economy. Maryland’s unemployment of 3.4% generally stays below the national average of 4.2%, making it an attractive option to professionals.

2. Con: High Cost of Living

The high median household income doesn’t stretch as far in Maryland as in other areas, especially in suburban counties near D.C. Currently, Maryland’s cost of living is 11.8% higher than the national average. Housing costs are the biggest factor, with one-bedrooms in Bethesda surging past $2,700 per month.

3. Pro: Access to Cities and Nature

Maryland’s compact geography of 12,407 square miles means renters can enjoy both city amenities and outdoor recreation. Baltimore provides nightlife, sports, and culture, while Annapolis and the Eastern Shore offer historic charm and waterfront living. Within a short drive, you can also reach the Appalachian Mountains for hiking and skiing.

4. Con: Traffic and Long Commutes

Maryland is notorious for its traffic, with I-95, I-270, and the Capital Beltway among the most congested corridors in the nation. Commutes from Frederick, Columbia, or suburbs outside Metro coverage often stretch well beyond an hour. MARC trains and Metro offer some relief, but service is limited. Renters face the choice of trading cheaper housing for longer daily drives.

5. Pro: Well-Regarded Schools and Healthcare

Maryland consistently ranks among the top states for education and healthcare. Montgomery and Howard counties have some of the nation’s best public school districts, making them highly sought after by families.

For higher education, Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland are nationally recognized. Top-rated hospitals like Johns Hopkins Hospital provide world-class healthcare access.

6. Con: Weather and Environmental Risks

Maryland’s climate means summers are hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms, while winters bring snow and ice, especially in the west. The Eastern Shore faces flooding and hurricane risks, which can also raise insurance costs and drive up living expenses.

7. Pro: Regional Variety

Maryland can feel like multiple states in one, offering very different lifestyles depending on where you live. The D.C. suburbs are fast-paced and career-driven, Baltimore has a gritty cultural energy, the Eastern Shore offers small-town coastal charm, and Western Maryland provides mountain living at a lower cost.

8. Con: High Taxes

Maryland has both state and county income taxes, which makes it more expensive than many neighboring states. The state income tax ranges from 2% to 5.75%, while counties add an extra 2%–3.2% on top of that. The statewide sales tax is a flat 6%, and there are no local add-ons. Combined with high rents, these taxes put extra pressure on monthly budgets.

9. Pro: Cultural and Food Scene

Maryland’s cultural and food scenes are diverse, with Baltimore’s Station North Arts District and Highlandtown Arts District showcasing murals, galleries, and live theater. The city is also home to professional teams like the Ravens (NFL) and Orioles (MLB) and hosts music at venues such as Merriweather Post Pavilion and The Hippodrome Theatre.

In Annapolis, cobblestone streets lined with 18th-century buildings highlight its colonial history, while the U.S. Naval Academy and the annual Annapolis Boat Shows celebrate the city’s sailing traditions. The state is also famous for seafood, with blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay, oysters from St. Mary’s County, and crab cakes from Faidley’s Seafood in Lexington Market are all part of the local identity.

10. Con: Safety Concerns by Neighborhood

Safety in Maryland depends heavily on where you rent. The good news is the city saw fewer than 300 homicides in 2023, which was the lowest in nearly a decade. Despite the improvements, the unevenness in safety means renters need to research carefully before choosing a neighborhood.

Is Maryland a Good Place to Live?

Yes, Maryland is a good place to live for renters who want career opportunities and lifestyle variety. Although rental prices tend to sit above the national average, renters benefit from strong public services, high-paying jobs, and diverse housing options.

Currently, the overall average rent in Maryland is $2,165 vs. the national average of $2,102. Year-over-year, that’s a 0.2% increase in rent in Maryland and a -0.7% decline for the national average.

What’s It Like Living in Maryland?

Living in Maryland combines the amenities of city life with the outdoor beauty of coastal and mountain towns. The D.C. suburbs are expensive but offer excellent schools and short commutes.

Baltimore provides culture and an affordable cost of living compared to the rest of the state at an average of $1,953 a month but struggles with crime. The Eastern Shore and Western Maryland are cheaper but farther from jobs. Renters will need to consider how to balance cost, convenience, and lifestyle when choosing a region.

What’s the Culture Like in Maryland?

Maryland’s culture blends history, food, and diversity into one state. The area is famous for blue crabs, sailing, and festivals like the Preakness Stakes and Maryland Renaissance Festival. Baltimore anchors the arts scene with live music, murals, and theaters, while Annapolis and Frederick are the historical hubs for the state.

Proximity to D.C. museums and events adds even more cultural variety, with easy access to institutions like the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Maryland renters can also attend annual events just across the border, including the Cherry Blossom Festival, concerts at the Kennedy Center, and exhibits at the Hirshhorn Museum.

What’s the Cost of Living in Maryland?

Maryland’s cost of living is 11.8% above the U.S. average, driven mainly by housing and transportation. To give you an idea of the cost of living, here’s a breakdown of the data from BestPlaces to give a breakdown of how Maryland’s most common expenses stack up to the national rate.

How Is the Job Market in Maryland?

Maryland has one of the strongest job markets in the Mid-Atlantic. Key industries include government, healthcare, biotech, and defense contracting, with major employers like Johns Hopkins and Northrop Grumman.

Unemployment is typically below the national average, though competition for top roles is high in D.C.-area suburbs. Planned projects like the Purple Line are expected to boost job access further.

How Safe Is Maryland?

Maryland’s safety varies significantly by region. Suburban counties like Howard and Montgomery are among the safest in the country, with violent crime rates reported at ~2.55 per 1,000 residents.

In comparison, parts of Baltimore City have some of the highest crime rates nationwide. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is a 1 in 63 chance. Renters should review neighborhood-level data before signing their next lease agreement.

What Are Schools Like in Maryland?

Schools in Maryland are regarded as among the best in the nation, particularly in Montgomery and Howard counties. These districts earn high ratings and attract families for their strong academics. For higher education, the state is home to Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, along with affordable regional colleges.

Is Maryland a Good Place to Raise a Family?

Yes, Maryland can be a great place to raise a family, especially in suburban counties with excellent schools and parks. Columbia, Bethesda, and Ellicott City are popular choices for their tight-knit community and amenities.

Families also benefit from cultural attractions like the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center. Housing can be costly, but many see the investment as worthwhile for access to resources.

What Are Some Popular Neighborhoods in Maryland?

Maryland offers neighborhoods for every lifestyle, from upscale suburbs to affordable city hubs. Bethesda and Silver Spring attract professionals commuting to D.C., while Columbia balances affordability and amenities. Baltimore neighborhoods like Canton and Fells Point provide urban living, and Annapolis offers waterfront charm.

Is Living in Maryland Right for You?

Living in Maryland is a great fit if you’re searching for high-paying jobs, cultural variety, and access to Washington D.C. and Baltimore. It’s probably a less ideal option if affordability and commute times are your top concerns. Regardless of which you’re leaning towards, it’s still important to weigh the cost, lifestyle, and transit access when deciding where to live.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Maryland

What are the downsides of living in Maryland?

The downsides of living in Maryland are high housing costs, heavy traffic, and crime variation between regions. It could be worth the trade-off, depending on if their pros, like a solid job market and growing food and culture scene, are a good fit for you.

Why are people moving to Maryland?

People are moving to Maryland for strong job opportunities, top-rated schools, and proximity to D.C. and Baltimore. It’s also a more affordable place to live than settling into Washington, D.C.

What are the biggest risks of living in Maryland?

Living in Maryland comes with several risks, including flooding on the Eastern Shore, crime in parts of Baltimore, and long commute times in suburban corridors.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Maryland?

You need about $85,000 to $100,000 annually to live a comfortable lifestyle in Maryland. If you live in the suburbs of D.C., you’ll need to increase your budget.

Is Maryland affordable compared to nearby states?

Maryland is less affordable than many of its neighbors, with higher housing costs and taxes than Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. However, it’s usually a cheaper option than living directly in Washington, D.C. or Northern Virginia suburbs.

What is the weather like in Maryland year-round?

Maryland has four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The Eastern Shore faces coastal storms, while central and western areas see frequent thunderstorms and occasional heavy snow.

Is public transportation good in Maryland?

Public transportation in Maryland is limited outside of the D.C. Metro and MARC train corridors. While these systems help commuters in certain areas, most residents still rely on cars for commuting and getting around, especially in more suburban and rural regions.