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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Baltimore is 34% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,290/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 41%
$59,623/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 61%
$219,300 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 85%
$1,333/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 35%
577,193
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $36,634/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Richardson — common questions

Is Baltimore or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Richardson?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Richardson?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $36,634/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Richardson details →

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