Arizona vs Maryland Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,996
in Arizona
$63,884
in Maryland
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Arizona | Maryland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 127.3 | 141.3 | -10% |
| Groceries | 101.9 | 105.4 | -3% |
| Utilities | 104.0 | 114.2 | -9% |
| Transportation | 102.1 | 100.7 | +1% |
| Healthcare | 93.4 | 106.6 | -12% |
| Dining & Misc | 105.2 | 108.4 | -3% |
| Overall | 110.3 | 117.4 | -6% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Arizona.
What things actually cost
| Item | Arizona | Maryland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $395,000 | $420,000 | $25,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,782/mo | $1,978/mo | $196 |
| Gas price | $3.97/gal | $3.50/gal | +$0.47 |
| Electric bill | $113/mo | $133/mo | $20 |
| Infant childcare | $15,625/yr | $18,946/yr | $3,321 |
Salary equivalent: Arizona → Maryland
What a Arizona salary buys you in Maryland, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Arizona | Equivalent in Maryland | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $53,218 | $-3,218 |
| $75,000 | $79,828 | $-4,828 |
| $100,000 | $106,437 | $-6,437 |
| $150,000 | $159,655 | $-9,655 |
| $200,000 | $212,874 | $-12,874 |
Positive = your money goes further in Maryland. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Maryland is 6% more expensive than Arizona overall. Maryland has an index of 117.4 vs 110.3 for Arizona (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Maryland?
Arizona is cheaper to live in. Maryland is 6% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $395,000 in Arizona vs $420,000 in Maryland.
Is Arizona cheaper than Maryland?
Yes, Arizona is 6% cheaper than Maryland overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Maryland more expensive than Arizona?
Yes, Maryland is 6% more expensive than Arizona based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Maryland equals $100,000 in Arizona?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Arizona, you would need approximately $106,437 in Maryland. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.3 vs 117.4).
How do housing costs compare between Arizona and Maryland?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Arizona. Median home prices are $395,000 in Arizona vs $420,000 in Maryland — a $25,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,782/mo vs $1,978/mo.
What costs more in Arizona vs Maryland?
Housing is 10% lower in Arizona (index 127.3 vs 141.3). Healthcare is 12% lower in Arizona (index 93.4 vs 106.6). Utilities is 9% lower in Arizona (index 104 vs 114.2).
Is gas cheaper in Arizona or Maryland?
Gas averages $3.97/gallon in Arizona and $3.50/gallon in Maryland — a $0.47 difference per gallon.
Arizona vs Maryland cost of living — how do they compare?
Arizona has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.3 and Maryland has 117.4 (national average = 100). Maryland is 6% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Maryland?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Arizona has a flat income tax rate of 2.50%, reduced from a progressive system in 2023. Maryland has a progressive state income tax plus local county income taxes that add 2.25% to 3.20%. Use the Arizona vs Maryland paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Arizona and Maryland?
Arizona requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Maryland requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Arizona Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Maryland Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Arizona vs Maryland Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Arizona — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Maryland — How much house can you afford?
- Arizona Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Maryland Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Arizona Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Maryland Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Arizona Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Maryland Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.