Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Baltimore is 59% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,290/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 76%
$59,623/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 135%
$219,300 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 294%
$1,333/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 81%
577,193
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $985/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $11,820/year.

Median household income is $80,537/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Arlington — common questions

Is Baltimore or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Arlington?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $985/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Arlington?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $80,537/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Virginia?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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