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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Baltimore is 65% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,290/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 31%
$59,623/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 34%
$219,300 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 57%
$1,333/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 35%
577,193
Population
367,523

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
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $396/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $4,752/year.

Median household income is $20,436/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Baltimore or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Cleveland?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $396/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Cleveland?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $20,436/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 Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with rent of $894/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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