Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Cary, NC (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Baltimore is 38% cheaper than Cary.

$1,290/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 26%
$59,623/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 117%
$219,300 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 139%
$1,333/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 31%
577,193
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $69,776/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Cary — common questions

Is Baltimore or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Cary?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Cary?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $69,776/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and North Carolina?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Cary details →

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