Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs College Station, TX (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Baltimore is 8% cheaper than College Station.

$1,290/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 9%
$59,623/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 13%
$219,300 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 49%
$1,333/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 6%
577,193
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $7,847/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs College Station — common questions

Is Baltimore or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and College Station?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or College Station?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $7,847/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Texas?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

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Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette