Best places to live in Maryland
We cover 6 places in Maryland, home to 958,000 residents. The largest is Baltimore (570,000), the fastest growing since 2020 is Frederick (+17.8%), and the lowest metro price level is in Baltimore (104.5). The top state income tax rate is 6.5%. The average combined sales tax is 6%.
Best places to live in Maryland, ranked
Each city gets a score out of 100 from six official measures, weighted as shown: home prices compared with income (25%), household income (15%), population growth since 2020 (15%), short commutes (15%), comfortable months of weather (15%) and low poverty (15%). Scores compare all 546 large US cities, so a 70 in Maryland means the same as a 70 anywhere. See the national ranking and method.
| # | City | Score | Home value to income | Income | Growth | Commute | Comfortable months |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia | 64 | 3.8× | $131,490 | n/a | 28 min | 5 |
| 2 | Frederick | 59 | 4.1× | $97,069 | +17.8% | 30 min | 4 |
| 3 | Bethesda | 56 | 6.1× | $192,237 | n/a | 28 min | 5 |
| 4 | Annapolis | 53 | 4.8× | $113,860 | -0.4% | 30 min | 5 |
| 5 | Silver Spring | 42 | 6.4× | $99,860 | n/a | 34 min | 5 |
| 6 | Baltimore | 36 | 3.7× | $62,177 | -2.7% | 29 min | 5 |
Best for retirees, young professionals or families? Every city page shows all four scores, and the city quiz ranks cities by what matters to you.
Largest cities in Maryland
| City | Population 2025 | Growth | Home value | Rent | Income | Price level | Jan high | Jul high |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | 569,997 | -2.7% | $229,600 | $1,331 | $62,177 | 104.5 | 43° | 89° |
| Columbia | 104,338 | n/a | $497,400 | $2,042 | $131,490 | 104.5 | 43° | 89° |
| Frederick | 92,059 | +17.8% | $401,500 | $1,764 | $97,069 | 108.9 | 43° | 89° |
| Silver Spring | 81,462 | n/a | $643,300 | $1,913 | $99,860 | 108.9 | 45° | 90° |
| Bethesda | 69,397 | n/a | $1,169,900 | $2,469 | $192,237 | 108.9 | 45° | 90° |
| Annapolis | 40,634 | -0.4% | $548,900 | $1,860 | $113,860 | 104.5 | 43° | 89° |
Taxes in Maryland
Maryland has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 6.5% in 2026. The state sales tax is 6%, and with the average local rate added it comes to 6%. Source: Tax Foundation, 2026. Local income taxes are not included.