Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Baltimore is 42% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,290/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 23%
$59,623/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 23%
$219,300 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 43%
$1,333/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 26%
577,193
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $13,778/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Baltimore or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Syracuse?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Syracuse?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $13,778/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and New York?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Syracuse details →

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