Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Baltimore is 21% cheaper than St. Petersburg.

$1,290/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↑ 20%
$59,623/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↑ 23%
$219,300 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$331,500 ↑ 51%
$1,333/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 8%
577,193
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $13,495/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Baltimore or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $13,495/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Florida?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,542/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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