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Cost of Living: Nashville, 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.

9.1% Baltimore, MD is more expensive overall
3.7% 3.7% 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 3.7% more
Nashville
108
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries 9.5% more
Nashville
95
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 11.1% more
Nashville
99
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 11.8% more
Nashville
93
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 11.3% more
Nashville
97
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index991089.1% more
Housing1081123.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,3502.2% less
Median Home Price$395,000$220,00044.3% less
Groceries951049.5% more
Transportation9911011.1% more
Healthcare9310411.8% more
Utilities9710811.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, 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

Nashville, TN
$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 Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Baltimore585,708

Moving from Nashville to Baltimore?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Nashville 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 Nashville or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Nashville 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 Nashville vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $30 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville 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 Nashville to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Nashville 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 Nashville vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $175,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Maryland averages 0.99%.