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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Baltimore is 12% cheaper than Garland.

$1,290/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 18%
$59,623/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 25%
$219,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$248,900 ↑ 13%
$1,333/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 8%
577,193
Population
245,298

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $15,094/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Garland — common questions

Is Baltimore or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Garland?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Garland?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $15,094/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Garland details →

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