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Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

20.0% Baltimore, MD is cheaper overall
34.9% 34.9% cheaper housing
5.5% 5.5% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 34.9% cheaper
Boston
172
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries 5.5% cheaper
Boston
110
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 6.8% cheaper
Boston
118
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 9.6% cheaper
Boston
115
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 3.6% cheaper
Boston
112
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index13510820.0% less
Housing17211234.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,35048.1% less
Median Home Price$700,000$220,00068.6% less
Groceries1101045.5% less
Transportation1181106.8% less
Healthcare1151049.6% less
Utilities1121083.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Baltimore, MD
State Income Tax9.00% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Boston675,647
Baltimore585,708

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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 Boston or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Baltimore is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 34.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $1,250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Baltimore?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) 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 Boston to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $480,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Maryland averages 0.99%.