Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Atlanta, GA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Atlanta

Georgia
122

Baltimore is 31% cheaper than Atlanta.

$1,290/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,617/mo ↑ 25%
$59,623/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$81,938/yr ↑ 37%
$219,300 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$420,600 ↑ 92%
$1,333/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,695/mo ↑ 27%
577,193
Population
499,287

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Atlanta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $327/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $3,924/year.

Median household income is $22,315/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $420,600 in Atlanta.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Atlanta — common questions

Is Baltimore or Atlanta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Atlanta?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Atlanta it's $1,617/month — a difference of $327/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Atlanta?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $81,938 in Atlanta. Median household income is $22,315/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Georgia?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Atlanta?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,617/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Atlanta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Atlanta

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Atlanta vs. Mesa Atlanta vs. Omaha Atlanta vs. Kansas City Atlanta vs. Colorado Springs Atlanta vs. Sacramento Atlanta vs. Raleigh