Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Baltimore is 33% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,290/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 49%
$59,623/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 57%
$219,300 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 81%
$1,333/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 19%
577,193
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $627/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $7,524/year.

Median household income is $33,748/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Surprise — common questions

Is Baltimore or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Surprise?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $627/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Surprise?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $33,748/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Arizona?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Surprise details →

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