Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Baltimore is 28% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,290/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 4%
$59,623/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 26%
$219,300 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 126%
$1,333/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 5%
577,193
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $15,302/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Baltimore or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $15,302/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Utah?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Salt Lake City details →

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