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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Baltimore and Odessa have a similar cost of living.

$1,290/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 2%
$59,623/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 22%
$219,300 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 5%
$1,333/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 6%
577,193
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,407/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Odessa — common questions

Is Baltimore or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Odessa?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Odessa?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $13,407/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Odessa details →

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