Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Baltimore, MD (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

Austin is 60% more expensive than Baltimore.

$1,655/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↓ 22%
$91,461/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 35%
$512,700 ↑ 134%
Home Value
$219,300 ↓ 57%
$1,747/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↓ 24%
967,862
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.07%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $31,838/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Baltimore — common questions

Is Austin or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Baltimore?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Baltimore?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $31,838/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Maryland?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,290/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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