Home › Compare › Tampa, FL vs Baltimore, MD

Cost of Living: Tampa, FL 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.

6.9% Baltimore, MD is more expensive overall
1.8% 1.8% more expensive housing
4.0% 4.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Tampa
110
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries 4.0% more
Tampa
100
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 10.0% more
Tampa
100
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 9.5% more
Tampa
95
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 4.9% more
Tampa
103
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index1011086.9% more
Housing110112~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,3506.9% less
Median Home Price$365,000$220,00039.7% less
Groceries1001044.0% more
Transportation10011010.0% more
Healthcare951049.5% more
Utilities1031084.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Baltimore, MD
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$62,000
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 Tampa lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Baltimore585,708

Moving from Tampa to Baltimore?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tampa 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Tampa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 1.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tampa vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Baltimore?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Tampa to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Tampa is $62,000 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 Tampa vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $145,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Maryland averages 0.99%.