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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Baltimore, MD

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

0.9% Baltimore, MD is more expensive overall
1.8% 1.8% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Atlanta
114
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Atlanta
102
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Atlanta
109
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Atlanta
102
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 9.1% more
Atlanta
99
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index107108~Same
Housing114112~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,35018.2% less
Median Home Price$380,000$220,00042.1% less
Groceries102104~Same
Transportation109110~Same
Healthcare102104~Same
Utilities991089.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Baltimore, MD
State Income Tax5.39%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax4.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Baltimore, MD
$58,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Baltimore costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Baltimore to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Baltimore585,708

Moving from Atlanta to Baltimore?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Atlanta and Baltimore → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Baltimore →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Atlanta is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 1.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Baltimore?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Maryland has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Atlanta to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $58,000 in Baltimore. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Atlanta vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $160,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Maryland averages 0.99%.