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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Baltimore is 36% cheaper than Plano.

$1,290/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 39%
$59,623/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 82%
$219,300 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 101%
$1,333/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 37%
577,193
Population
287,339

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $502/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $6,024/year.

Median household income is $49,026/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Plano — common questions

Is Baltimore or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Plano?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $502/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Plano?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $49,026/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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