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Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN 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.

18.7% Baltimore, MD is more expensive overall
40.0% 40.0% more expensive housing
9.5% 9.5% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 40.0% more
Indianapolis
80
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries 9.5% more
Indianapolis
95
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 12.2% more
Indianapolis
98
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 8.3% more
Indianapolis
96
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 11.3% more
Indianapolis
97
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Indianapolis, IN Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index9110818.7% more
Housing8011240.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,35028.6% more
Median Home Price$230,000$220,0004.3% less
Groceries951049.5% more
Transportation9811012.2% more
Healthcare961048.3% more
Utilities9710811.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Indianapolis, IN Baltimore, MD
State Income Tax3.05%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.75%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Indianapolis, IN
$60,000
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 Indianapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Indianapolis (91) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Indianapolis3.9%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Indianapolis2.6%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
IndianapolisPharma, Logistics, Motorsports
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Indianapolis24 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Indianapolis31
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Indianapolis42
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Indianapolis53°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Indianapolis887,642
Baltimore585,708

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Indianapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 40.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Indianapolis vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Indianapolis and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Indianapolis or Baltimore?+
Indiana has a state income tax of 3.05% and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Indianapolis to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Indianapolis is $60,000 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 Indianapolis vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Indianapolis is $230,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $10,000. Property tax rates also differ: Indiana averages 0.75% while Maryland averages 0.99%.