Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Baltimore is 6% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,290/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 2%
$59,623/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 9%
$219,300 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 6%
$1,333/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 12%
577,193
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,569/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Baltimore or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Dearborn?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Dearborn?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $5,569/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Michigan?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Dearborn

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Dearborn vs. Sparks Dearborn vs. Riverview Dearborn vs. South Fulton Dearborn vs. Tyler Dearborn vs. Greeley Dearborn vs. Tuscaloosa