Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Baltimore is 20% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,290/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 19%
$59,623/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 8%
$219,300 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 49%
$1,333/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 6%
577,193
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $249/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $2,988/year.

Median household income is $4,817/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Baltimore or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Clearwater?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $249/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Clearwater?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $4,817/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Florida?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Clearwater details →

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