Home › Compare › Washington, DC vs Baltimore, MD

Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

16.9% Baltimore, MD is cheaper overall
30.9% 30.9% cheaper housing
3.7% 3.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 30.9% cheaper
Washington
162
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries 3.7% cheaper
Washington
108
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 9.8% cheaper
Washington
122
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 5.5% cheaper
Washington
110
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 2.9% more
Washington
105
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index13010816.9% less
Housing16211230.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$1,35038.6% less
Median Home Price$620,000$220,00064.5% less
Groceries1081043.7% less
Transportation1221109.8% less
Healthcare1101045.5% less
Utilities1051082.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC Baltimore, MD
State Income Tax10.75% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Washington77
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Washington689,545
Baltimore585,708

Moving from Washington 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 Washington 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington 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 30.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $850 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or Baltimore?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) 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 Washington to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $400,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while Maryland averages 0.99%.