Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Baltimore is 43% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,290/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 47%
$59,623/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 59%
$219,300 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 144%
$1,333/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 50%
577,193
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.07%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $612/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $7,344/year.

Median household income is $35,190/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

Maryland has a lower income tax rate, making Baltimore slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Baltimore or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Jersey City?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $612/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Jersey City?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $35,190/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and New Jersey?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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