State Comparison

Alabama vs Maryland

Alabama is cheaper overall, while $100 goes further in Alabama, Maryland has higher incomes, Alabama has lower state income tax, and Maryland gets more sunshine.

Alabama

AL • South

Quality of Life Score

47.01

Maryland

MD • South

Better quality of life

Quality of Life Score

49.79

Alabama

18 / 31

metrics won

Wins

Score

Maryland

13 / 31

metrics won

AL wins Housing

AL wins Quality of Life

AL wins Climate

MD wins Income

Quality of Life

Composite score — income, affordability, education, health, and safety.

Alabama

47.01

Maryland winner

49.79

Maryland scores higher on quality of life — 2.78 points difference.

Quick Take

Alabama vs Maryland

This quick read mixes affordability, housing, income, politics, density, and climate so the biggest tradeoffs show up fast.

Maryland is about 4.2 times smaller than Alabama.
Maryland has a larger population than Alabama by 1,152,945 people.
Alabama has the lower cost-of-living index. Alabama is at 88.6, while Maryland is at 121.7.
After BEA price-level adjustments, $100 has about $114.62 of local buying power in Alabama, versus $96.55 in Maryland.

Overview

Key differences overview

These cards keep the comparison factual first, so the biggest tradeoffs in affordability, housing, taxes, politics, climate, and day-to-day living are easy to scan.

Overall Affordability

Alabama is 33.1 points cheaper overall

Alabama has the lower cost-of-living index. Alabama is at 88.6, while Maryland is at 121.7.

View detailed comparison

Real Dollar Value

$100 goes $18.07 further in Alabama

After BEA price-level adjustments, $100 has about $114.62 of local buying power in Alabama, versus $96.55 in Maryland.

View detailed comparison

Income

Maryland income is 79.2% higher

Maryland has the higher median household income at $98,461, compared with $54,943 in Alabama.

View detailed comparison

Jobs

Maryland minimum wage is $7.75 higher

Maryland has the higher statewide minimum wage at $15.00/hr, compared with $7.25/hr in Alabama.

View detailed comparison

Housing

Maryland homes cost about 2.2x more

Alabama has the lower median home value at $174,600, versus $375,600 in Maryland.

View detailed comparison

Taxes

Alabama has lower state income tax

Alabama has the lower state income tax rate. Its top rate is 5.00%, compared with 5.75% in Maryland.

View detailed comparison

Full Comparison

Pick a category to focus on. General shows the most important facts at a glance.

Metric	AL	MD	Deep dive
Capital City The official state capital.	Montgomery	Annapolis	Details ->
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Red	Solid Blue	Details ->
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	5,024,279	6,177,224	Details ->
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$54,943	$98,461	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	88.6	121.7	Details ->
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$174,600	$375,600	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	0.38%	0.97%	Details ->
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	5.00%	5.75%	Details ->
Minimum Wage State minimum wage in U.S. dollars per hour (U.S. Department of Labor, updated January 1, 2026).	$7.25/hr	$15.00/hr	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.840/gal	$4.088/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	16.06 c/kWh	20.61 c/kWh	Details ->
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	47.01	49.79	Details ->
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	62.8°F	54.2°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	99 days	105 days	Details ->
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	52,419 sq mi	12,407 sq mi	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	95.8 per sq mi	497.9 per sq mi	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	December 14, 1819 (#22)	April 28, 1788 (#7)	Details ->

Population -> Median Income -> Cost of Living -> Median Housing Value -> Property Tax -> State Income Tax -> Minimum Wage -> Gas Price -> Electricity Rates -> Livability Score -> Average Temperature -> Sunny Days -> Land Area -> Population Density ->

Metric	AL	MD	Deep dive
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	5,024,279	6,177,224	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	95.8 per sq mi	497.9 per sq mi	Details ->
Bachelor's Degree Adults age 25+ with a bachelor's degree or higher (ACS 2023).	28.9%	43.7%	Details ->
Advanced Degree Adults age 25+ with a graduate or professional degree (ACS 2023).	11.3%	21.3%	Details ->

Population -> Population Density -> Bachelor's Degree -> Advanced Degree ->

Metric	AL	MD	Deep dive
Minimum Wage State minimum wage in U.S. dollars per hour (U.S. Department of Labor, updated January 1, 2026).	$7.25/hr	$15.00/hr	Details ->

Minimum Wage ->

Metric	AL	MD	Deep dive
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	47.01	49.79	Details ->
Best State to Live In Composite living score for comparing states to live in, based on the existing livability score.	47.01	49.79	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	88.6	121.7	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.840/gal	$4.088/gal	Details ->
Gas Tax State gasoline excise tax in cents per gallon. Lower = lower state fuel tax burden.	29.00 c/gal	46.60 c/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	16.06 c/kWh	20.61 c/kWh	Details ->
Commute Time Average commute time in minutes.	25.0 min	31.2 min	Details ->

Livability Score -> Best State to Live In -> Cost of Living -> Gas Price -> Gas Tax -> Electricity Rates -> Commute Time ->

Metric	AL	MD	Deep dive
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	62.8°F	54.2°F	Details ->
Summer Temperature Average statewide summer temperature across June, July, and August.	78.6°F	73.3°F	Details ->
Winter Temperature Average statewide winter temperature across December, January, and February.	46.5°F	34.7°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	99 days	105 days	Details ->
Annual Precipitation Average annual rain and snowfall combined, measured in inches.	58.3 in	44.5 in	Details ->

Average Temperature -> Summer Temperature -> Winter Temperature -> Sunny Days -> Annual Precipitation ->

Metric	AL	MD	Deep dive
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$174,600	$375,600	Details ->
Median Gross Rent Median gross monthly rent in U.S. dollars.	$925/mo	$1,685/mo	Details ->
Median Monthly Owner Costs With Mortgage Median selected monthly owner costs for households with a mortgage.	-	-	Details ->
Owner Costs Without Mortgage Median selected monthly owner costs for households without a mortgage.	-	-	Details ->
Homeownership Rate Share of occupied housing units that are owner-occupied.	69.6%	66.9%	Details ->
Home Value to Income Ratio Median home value divided by median household income.	3.18x	3.81x	Details ->
Rent to Income Ratio Annualized median gross rent as a share of median household income.	20.2%	20.5%	Details ->
Owner Costs to Income Median selected monthly owner costs as a percentage of household income (ACS 2023).	14.8%	18.0%	Details ->

Median Housing Value -> Median Gross Rent -> Median Monthly Owner Costs With Mortgage -> Owner Costs Without Mortgage -> Homeownership Rate -> Home Value to Income Ratio -> Rent to Income Ratio -> Owner Costs to Income ->

Metric	AL	MD	Deep dive
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	5.00%	5.75%	Details ->
State Sales Tax State-level sales tax rate. 0% = no state sales tax (local taxes may apply).	4.00%	6.00%	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	0.38%	0.97%	Details ->

State Income Tax -> State Sales Tax -> Property Tax ->

Metric	AL	MD	Deep dive
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Red	Solid Blue	Details ->
Presidential Voting Margin Signed 2024 presidential margin in percentage points (positive = Democratic, negative = Republican).	Rep +30.47	Dem +28.54	Details ->
Swing State / Battleground Whether the state was part of the core 2024 battleground map.	Not a battleground	Not a battleground	Details ->
Governor Party Current governor's party (NCSL partisan composition, January 27, 2026).	Republican	Democratic	Details ->
State House Control Current partisan control of the lower legislative chamber (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Republican	Democratic	Details ->
State Senate Control Current partisan control of the upper legislative chamber (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Republican	Democratic	Details ->
Trifecta Whether one party controls the governorship and both legislative chambers (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Republican Trifecta	Democratic Trifecta	Details ->

Presidential Voting Margin ->

Metric	AL	MD	Deep dive
Gun Laws Status Simplified statewide gun-law label based on current Giffords grades: A to B = Restrictive, C to F = Permissive (scorecard modified February 20, 2026).	Permissive	Restrictive	Details ->
Alcohol Laws Whether the state uses a control-state or license-state model for distilled-spirit sales (NABCA directory accessed April 6, 2026).	Control State	Control State	Details ->
Marijuana Legalization Current statewide marijuana status: Legal, Medical, or Illegal (NCSL state cannabis laws page updated June 27, 2025).	Medical	Legal	Details ->

Metric	AL	MD	Deep dive
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	52,419 sq mi	12,407 sq mi	Details ->
Highest Point Highest natural point in the state, with summit elevation.	Cheaha Mountain (2,413 ft)	Hoye-Crest (Backbone Mountain) (3,360 ft)	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	December 14, 1819 (#22)	April 28, 1788 (#7)	Details ->
Capital City The official state capital.	Montgomery	Annapolis	Details ->
Region U.S. Census Bureau geographic region.	South	South	Details ->

Land Area -> Highest Point ->

Metric	AL	MD	Deep dive
Life Expectancy Life expectancy at birth in years (CDC 2021).	73.2 yrs	77.6 yrs	Details ->
Older Adult Health Outcomes Composite score for comparing state health outcomes for older adults, using life expectancy, insurance coverage, and obesity prevalence.	34.9	63.8	Details ->
Uninsured Rate Share of residents without health insurance coverage.	8.5%	6.3%	Details ->
Obesity Rate Adult obesity prevalence.	38.9%	32.7%	Details ->

Life Expectancy -> Older Adult Health Outcomes -> Uninsured Rate -> Obesity Rate ->

Metric	AL	MD	Deep dive
Violent Crime Rate Violent crime incidents per 100,000 residents (FBI UCR 2022).	447.8	431.7	Details ->
Property Crime Rate Property crime incidents per 100,000 residents.	1733.9	1723.3	Details ->

Violent Crime Rate -> Property Crime Rate ->

Metric	AL	MD	Deep dive
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$54,943	$98,461	Details ->
Regional Price Parity Official price level relative to the national average (100 = U.S. average).	87.2	107.7	Details ->
Purchasing Power of $100 Real local value of $100 after adjusting for BEA Regional Price Parities.	$114.62	$96.55	Details ->
Poverty Rate Share of residents below the federal poverty line (ACS 2023).	15.6%	9.5%	Details ->
Employment/Population Ratio Employed civilian population as a share of the adult population (ACS 2023).	55.8%	64.1%	Details ->
Unemployment Rate Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (BLS, December 2025).	2.7%	4.2%	Details ->
Job Growth Change in total nonfarm payroll employment from December 2024 to December 2025 (BLS).	0.5%	-0.4%	Details ->

Median Income -> Regional Price Parity -> Purchasing Power of $100 -> Poverty Rate -> Employment/Population Ratio -> Unemployment Rate -> Job Growth ->

Metric	AL	MD	Deep dive
Retirement Score Composite score for comparing states for retirement, combining affordability, taxes, housing, health, safety, and winter climate.	69.9	58.5	Details ->

Retirement Score ->

Intent-Oriented

Which state fits your priorities better?

Use these cards as decision shortcuts for common goals like saving money, buying a home, finding better weather, or optimizing for work and family life.

Saving Money

Alabama is cheaper overall

Overall cost-of-living index: 88.6 vs 121.7 in Maryland. On a national baseline of 100, the lower score usually means cheaper day-to-day expenses.

See full data

Gas Price

Alabama is cheaper at the pump

Average regular gas price: $3.840/gal in Alabama vs $4.088/gal in Maryland. Lower pump prices can cut everyday driving costs.

See full data

Minimum Wage

Maryland has the higher minimum wage

State minimum wage: $15.00/hr in Maryland vs $7.25/hr in Alabama. That matters most for hourly, entry-level, and part-time workers.

See full data

Electricity Rates

Alabama has cheaper electricity

Average residential electricity rate: 16.06 c/kWh in Alabama vs 20.61 c/kWh in Maryland. Lower cents-per-kWh pricing can help keep utility bills down.

See full data

Buying a Home

Alabama is more attainable for buyers

Home-value-to-income ratio: 3.18x in Alabama vs 3.81x in Maryland. A lower ratio means the median home is easier to afford on a median income.

See full data

Renting

Alabama is easier for renters

Rent-to-income ratio: 20.2% in Alabama vs 20.5% in Maryland. A lower percentage means rent takes a smaller bite out of a typical household budget.

See full data

Property Tax

Alabama has lower property taxes

Effective property tax rate: 0.38% in Alabama vs 0.97% in Maryland. A lower rate usually means a smaller yearly tax bill relative to home value.

See full data

State Color

Maryland votes bluer

2024 presidential margin: Dem +28.54 in Maryland vs Rep +30.47 in Alabama.

See full data

Gun Laws

Maryland has stricter gun laws

Maryland falls into the restrictive category, while Alabama falls into the permissive category on this simplified statewide comparison.

See full data

Marijuana Legalization

Maryland has broader marijuana access

Maryland currently rates as Legal, while Alabama rates as Medical under statewide marijuana law.

See full data

Lower Taxes

Alabama has lower income taxes

Top state income tax rate: 5.00% in Alabama vs 5.75% in Maryland.

See full data

More Space

Alabama feels less crowded

Population density: 95.8 per sq mi in Alabama vs 497.9 per sq mi in Maryland. Lower density usually means more space and less day-to-day congestion.

See full data

Shorter Commute

Alabama has the shorter commute

Average commute: 25.0 min in Alabama vs 31.2 min in Maryland.

See full data

Job Opportunities

Alabama looks better for job seekers

Unemployment rate: 2.7% in Alabama vs 4.2% in Maryland. Alabama also leads on job growth.

See full data

Remote Workers

Maryland looks better for remote workers

Livability score: 49.79 in Maryland vs 47.01 in Alabama.

See full data

Families

Maryland looks better for families

Maryland wins more family-oriented signals in this matchup, including violent crime rate, life expectancy, uninsured rate compared with Alabama.

See full data

Warmer Climate

Alabama is warmer overall

Average annual temperature: 62.8°F in Alabama vs 54.2°F in Maryland.

See full data

More Sunshine

Maryland gets more sun

Sunny days per year: 105 days in Maryland vs 99 days in Alabama.

See full data

Detailed Metric Pages

Grouped tabs keep the deep-dive links tighter and easier to scan.

Population

Maryland has a larger population than Alabama by 1,152,945 people.

Population Density

Maryland is more densely populated than Alabama.

Bachelor's Degree

Maryland has a higher college-educated share than Alabama.

Advanced Degree

Maryland has a higher advanced-degree share than Alabama.

Alabama vs Maryland - Common Questions

Q Is Alabama cheaper to live in than Maryland?

Alabama has the lower cost of living. On the national index (100 = average), Alabama scores 88.6 versus 121.7 for Maryland - a gap of 33.1 points.

Q Where does $100 go further - Alabama or Maryland?

$100 goes further in Alabama. After BEA regional price adjustments, $100 is worth about $114.62 in Alabama, compared with $96.55 in Maryland.

Q Which state is bigger - Alabama or Maryland?

Alabama is larger, covering 52,419 sq mi compared with 12,407 sq mi for Maryland - roughly 4.2x the size.

Q Does Alabama or Maryland have more people?

Maryland has the larger population at 6,177,224, compared with 5,024,279 in Alabama.

Q Which state has higher household income - Alabama or Maryland?

Maryland has the higher median household income at $98,461, versus $54,943 in Alabama.

Q Which state has lower income taxes - Alabama or Maryland?

Alabama has the lower state income tax top rate at 5.00%, compared with 5.75% in Maryland.

Q Is housing cheaper in Alabama or Maryland?

Homes are cheaper in Alabama, where the median home value is $174,600, versus $375,600 in Maryland.

Q Which state is more densely populated - Alabama or Maryland?

Maryland is more densely populated at 497.9 per sq mi people per sq mi. Alabama is more spread out at 95.8 per sq mi people per sq mi.

Related Comparisons

Arkansas vs Maryland

Delaware vs Maryland

Methodology

All figures are sourced from U.S. government datasets and updated annually. Page last updated: April 2026.

Core demographic data comes from the 2020 U.S. Census, with land area from U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files and statehood dates from the National Archives. Income, housing, affordability, and tax fields are maintained in our comparison dataset; purchasing-power figures use BEA Regional Price Parities. Minimum wage data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, gas prices from AAA, and electricity rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Political control and election fields use 2024 presidential results together with National Conference of State Legislatures data. Gun-law labels use the Giffords scorecard, alcohol system data comes from NABCA, and marijuana status uses NCSL's state cannabis laws tracker. See our editorial policy for how we review and update these pages.