Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Baltimore is 38% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,290/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 26%
$59,623/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 2%
$219,300 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 32%
$1,333/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 24%
577,193
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.07%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $907/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Peoria — common questions

Is Baltimore or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Peoria?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Peoria?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $907/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Illinois?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Peoria

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo