Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Baltimore is 45% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,290/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 40%
$59,623/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 90%
$219,300 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 174%
$1,333/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 46%
577,193
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $512/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $6,144/year.

Median household income is $53,773/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Arvada — common questions

Is Baltimore or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Arvada?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $512/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Arvada?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $53,773/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Colorado?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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