Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Baltimore is 8% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,290/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 15%
$59,623/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 13%
$219,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 13%
$1,333/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 10%
577,193
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $197/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $2,364/year.

Median household income is $7,898/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Baltimore or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $197/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $7,898/year higher in Palm Bay.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Florida?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Palm Bay

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock