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Cost of Living: Austin, TX 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.

4.9% Baltimore, MD is more expensive overall
5.1% 5.1% cheaper housing
8.3% 8.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.1% cheaper
Austin
118
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries 8.3% more
Austin
96
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 12.2% more
Austin
98
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 7.2% more
Austin
97
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 9.1% more
Austin
99
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index1031084.9% more
Housing1181125.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,3506.9% less
Median Home Price$425,000$220,00048.2% less
Groceries961048.3% more
Transportation9811012.2% more
Healthcare971047.2% more
Utilities991089.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Baltimore, MD
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
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 Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Austin979,882
Baltimore585,708

Moving from Austin to Baltimore?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin 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

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Baltimore vs Portland → Baltimore vs Phoenix → Baltimore vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 5.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Baltimore?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Austin to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 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 Austin vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $205,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Maryland averages 0.99%.