Home › Compare › Chicago, IL vs Baltimore, MD

Cost of Living: Chicago, IL 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
6.7% 6.7% more expensive housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 6.7% more
Chicago
105
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Chicago
104
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 3.5% cheaper
Chicago
114
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Chicago
103
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 6.9% more
Chicago
101
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index107108~Same
Housing1051126.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,35020.6% less
Median Home Price$310,000$220,00029.0% less
Groceries104104~Same
Transportation1141103.5% less
Healthcare103104~Same
Utilities1011086.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Baltimore, MD
State Income Tax4.95%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
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 Chicago lifestyle.

→
$—

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Baltimore585,708

Moving from Chicago to Baltimore?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Chicago is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 6.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Baltimore?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% 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 Chicago to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 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 Chicago vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $90,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Maryland averages 0.99%.