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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

Baltimore is 25% more expensive than Laredo.

$1,290/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 22%
$59,623/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$63,264/yr ↑ 6%
$219,300 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$182,400 ↓ 17%
$1,333/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 20%
577,193
Population
255,949

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $3,641/year higher in Laredo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Laredo — common questions

Is Baltimore or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Laredo?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Laredo?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $3,641/year higher in Laredo.
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 Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Laredo details →

More Comparisons

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