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Cost of Living: Memphis, TN 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.

25.6% Baltimore, MD is more expensive overall
60.0% 60.0% more expensive housing
13.0% 13.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 60.0% more
Memphis
70
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries 13.0% more
Memphis
92
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 14.6% more
Memphis
96
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 15.6% more
Memphis
90
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 10.2% more
Memphis
98
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Memphis, TN Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index8610825.6% more
Housing7011260.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,35042.1% more
Median Home Price$165,000$220,00033.3% more
Groceries9210413.0% more
Transportation9611014.6% more
Healthcare9010415.6% more
Utilities9810810.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Memphis, TN Baltimore, MD
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
Baltimore, MD
$58,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Baltimore costs more but median income is only slightly higher. 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 Memphis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Memphis (86) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Memphis4.8%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Memphis1.9%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Memphis24 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Memphis34
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Memphis44
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Memphis63°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Memphis633,104
Baltimore585,708

Moving from Memphis to Baltimore?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Memphis 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 60.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Memphis vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Memphis and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Memphis or Baltimore?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Memphis to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Memphis is $48,000 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 Memphis vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Memphis is $165,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Maryland averages 0.99%.