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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Baltimore is 15% more expensive than High Point.

$1,290/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 18%
$59,623/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↑ 3%
$219,300 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 3%
$1,333/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 19%
577,193
Population
115,263

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
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $1,605/year higher in High Point. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs High Point — common questions

Is Baltimore or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and High Point?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or High Point?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $1,605/year higher in High Point.
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 High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View High Point details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and High Point

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles