Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Baltimore is 22% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,290/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 26%
$59,623/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 13%
$219,300 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 2%
$1,333/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 22%
577,193
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $7,916/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Baltimore or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $7,916/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Ohio?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with rent of $953/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Cincinnati details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Cincinnati

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Cincinnati vs. Santa Ana Cincinnati vs. Irvine Cincinnati vs. Orlando Cincinnati vs. St. Paul Cincinnati vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Newark