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Cost of Living: Dallas, 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.

5.9% Baltimore, MD is more expensive overall
3.7% 3.7% more expensive housing
7.2% 7.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 3.7% more
Dallas
108
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries 7.2% more
Dallas
97
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 8.9% more
Dallas
101
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 6.1% more
Dallas
98
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 3.8% more
Dallas
104
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Dallas, TX Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index1021085.9% more
Housing1081123.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,400$1,3503.6% less
Median Home Price$340,000$220,00035.3% less
Groceries971047.2% more
Transportation1011108.9% more
Healthcare981046.1% more
Utilities1041083.8% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Dallas, 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

Dallas, TX
$72,000
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 Dallas lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Dallas (102) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Dallas3.8%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Dallas3.4%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Dallas28 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Dallas46
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Dallas48
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Dallas66°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Dallas1,288,457
Baltimore585,708

Moving from Dallas to Baltimore?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Dallas 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Dallas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 3.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,400/month in Dallas and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Dallas 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 Dallas to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Dallas is $72,000 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 Dallas vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Dallas is $340,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $120,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Maryland averages 0.99%.