Baltimore, MD, US
Charm City with crab cakes, Inner Harbor, and surprisingly affordable row houses.
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Baltimore vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.8%
- Sales Tax: 6.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $52,000
- Unemployment: 4.2%
- Population: 569,931
Climate
- Sunny Days: 213/year
- Summer High: 87°F
- Winter Low: 28°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: $195,000
- 1BR Rent: $1450/mo
Cost of Living
Baltimore's cost of living index is 108.4 (US average = 100).
| Category | Baltimore | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 108.4 | 100 | +8.4% |
| Housing | 112.5 | 100 | +12.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $195,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1450/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,813/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $130 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Baltimore:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $140 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $81 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $3 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $70 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $60 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $354 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Baltimore scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Baltimore has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 48°F | 28°F | 2.5" |
| April | 72°F | 43°F | 2.8" |
| July | 87°F | 62°F | 1.5" |
| October | 67°F | 46°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Baltimore faces the following natural hazards:
Coastal and river flooding.
Coastal areas affected by hurricanes.
Winter storms.
Tornado risk.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.75%
- Sales Tax: 6%
- Property Tax: ~1.09% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Baltimore per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Baltimore, MD, US?
The cost of living index in Baltimore is 108.4, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Baltimore?
The median home price in Baltimore is $195,000. The housing index is 112.5.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Baltimore is approximately $1450/mo.
Does Baltimore, MD have income tax?
Baltimore is in MD, which has an income tax rate of 5.75%.
What is the climate like in Baltimore?
Baltimore enjoys approximately 213 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 87°F, while winter lows can drop to around 28°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.