Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Baltimore is 6% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,290/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 14%
$59,623/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 14%
$219,300 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$222,700 ↑ 2%
$1,333/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 4%
577,193
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $176/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,112/year.

Median household income is $8,284/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Springfield — common questions

Is Baltimore or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Springfield?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $176/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Springfield?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $8,284/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Massachusetts?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Springfield details →

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