Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Durham, NC (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Baltimore is 20% cheaper than Durham.

$1,290/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 9%
$59,623/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 33%
$219,300 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 62%
$1,333/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 8%
577,193
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $19,611/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Durham — common questions

Is Baltimore or Durham 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 Durham?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Durham?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $19,611/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and North Carolina?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Durham details →

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