Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Baltimore is 8% cheaper than St. Paul.

$1,290/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 3%
$59,623/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↑ 23%
$219,300 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$280,300 ↑ 28%
$1,333/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↑ 4%
577,193
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,432/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Baltimore or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and St. Paul?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or St. Paul?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $13,432/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Minnesota?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,248/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View St. Paul details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and St. Paul

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro