Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Toledo, OH (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Toledo

Ohio
52

Baltimore is 62% more expensive than Toledo.

$1,290/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$880/mo ↓ 32%
$59,623/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$47,532/yr ↓ 20%
$219,300 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$107,000 ↓ 51%
$1,333/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$856/mo ↓ 36%
577,193
Population
268,461

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Toledo, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 52 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $12,091/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $107,000 in Toledo.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Toledo — common questions

Is Baltimore or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Toledo?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Toledo it's $880/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Toledo?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $47,532 in Toledo. Median household income is $12,091/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Ohio?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Toledo?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Toledo has a cost index of 52 with rent of $880/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Toledo details →

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