Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Baltimore is 65% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,290/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 113%
$59,623/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 112%
$219,300 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 374%
$1,333/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 98%
577,193
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,452/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $17,424/year.

Median household income is $66,846/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Maryland has a lower income tax rate, making Baltimore slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Baltimore or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Cambridge?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,452/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Cambridge?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $66,846/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Massachusetts?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Cambridge details →

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