HomeCompare › Oklahoma City, OK vs Baltimore, MD

Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK 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.

22.7% Baltimore, MD is more expensive overall
47.4% 47.4% more expensive housing
11.8% 11.8% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 47.4% more
Oklahoma City
76
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries 11.8% more
Oklahoma City
93
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 14.6% more
Oklahoma City
96
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 13.0% more
Oklahoma City
92
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 8.0% more
Oklahoma City
100
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Oklahoma City, OK Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index8810822.7% more
Housing7611247.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,35042.1% more
Median Home Price$210,000$220,0004.8% more
Groceries9310411.8% more
Transportation9611014.6% more
Healthcare9210413.0% more
Utilities1001088.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Oklahoma City, OK Baltimore, MD
State Income Tax4.75%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax4.50%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.85%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Oklahoma City, OK
$58,000
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 Oklahoma City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Oklahoma City (88) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Oklahoma City3.5%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Oklahoma City2.4%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Oklahoma City22 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Oklahoma City32
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Oklahoma City44
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Oklahoma City60°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Oklahoma City681,054
Baltimore585,708

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oklahoma City or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Oklahoma City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 47.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Oklahoma City vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Oklahoma City and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Oklahoma City or Baltimore?+
Oklahoma has a state income tax of 4.75% and sales tax of 4.50%. 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 Oklahoma City to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Oklahoma City is $58,000 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 Oklahoma City vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Oklahoma City is $210,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $10,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oklahoma averages 0.85% while Maryland averages 0.99%.