Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Baltimore is 45% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,290/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 24%
$59,623/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 13%
$219,300 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 46%
$1,333/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 27%
577,193
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $7,453/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Lansing — common questions

Is Baltimore or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Lansing?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Lansing?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $7,453/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Michigan?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Lansing details →

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