Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Baltimore is 38% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,290/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 19%
$59,623/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 22%
$219,300 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 45%
$1,333/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 24%
577,193
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $12,995/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Maryland has a lower income tax rate, making Baltimore slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Rochester — common questions

Is Baltimore or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Rochester?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Rochester?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $12,995/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and New York?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Rochester details →

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