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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Baltimore is 36% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,290/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 38%
$59,623/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 34%
$219,300 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 108%
$1,333/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 33%
577,193
Population
183,032

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $486/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $5,832/year.

Median household income is $20,312/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Baltimore or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $486/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $20,312/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
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 Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

More Comparisons

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