Skyline of Baltimore
Cost of Living: 108.4 569,931

Baltimore, MD, US

Charm City with crab cakes, Inner Harbor, and surprisingly affordable row houses.

Updated July 6, 2026
Cost of Living 108.4

Above Average vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 112.5

Above Average

Median Income $52,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.2%

Job market health

Baltimore vs US Average

Cost of Living
Baltimore: 108.4
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Baltimore: 112.5
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Baltimore: 5.75%
US Avg: ~5%

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

Housing

  • Median Home: $195,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1450/mo

Cost of Living

Baltimore's cost of living index is 108.4 (US average = 100).

CategoryBaltimoreNational AverageDifference
Overall108.4100+8.4%
Housing112.5100+12.5%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
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, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Baltimore:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$140Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)$332Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Water$70Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities$602Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Baltimore

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,740/mo.

Baltimore Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,595/mo.

East Baltimore

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,305/mo.

West Baltimore

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,378/mo.

Remote Work Score

Baltimore scores 115/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Good
  • Climate: 213 year (Good)
  • Quality of Life: Good

Climate

Baltimore has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January48°F28°F2.5"
April72°F43°F2.8"
July87°F62°F1.5"
October67°F46°F2.2"

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%.

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 <no value>°F,87°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.28°F.

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

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.