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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

10.2% Baltimore, MD is more expensive overall
7.7% 7.7% more expensive housing
7.2% 7.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 7.7% more
Raleigh
104
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries 7.2% more
Raleigh
97
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 14.6% more
Raleigh
96
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% more
Raleigh
100
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 10.2% more
Raleigh
98
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index9810810.2% more
Housing1041127.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,350~Same
Median Home Price$385,000$220,00042.9% less
Groceries971047.2% more
Transportation9611014.6% more
Healthcare1001044.0% more
Utilities9810810.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Baltimore, MD
State Income Tax4.50%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax4.75%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Baltimore585,708

Moving from Raleigh to Baltimore?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 7.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Baltimore?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $165,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Maryland averages 0.99%.