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Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

5.3% Baltimore, MD is cheaper overall
18.8% 18.8% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.8% cheaper
Portland
138
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Portland
103
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Portland
108
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 2.8% cheaper
Portland
107
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 22.7% more
Portland
88
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index1141085.3% less
Housing13811218.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,35012.9% less
Median Home Price$485,000$220,00054.6% less
Groceries103104~Same
Transportation108110~Same
Healthcare1071042.8% less
Utilities8810822.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Baltimore, MD
State Income Tax8.75% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Portland652,503
Baltimore585,708

Moving from Portland to Baltimore?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland 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 Portland or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Baltimore is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 18.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Baltimore?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $265,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Maryland averages 0.99%.