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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Tucson

Arizona
76

Baltimore is 8% more expensive than Tucson.

$1,290/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,079/mo ↓ 16%
$59,623/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$54,546/yr ↓ 9%
$219,300 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$242,200 ↑ 10%
$1,333/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,076/mo ↓ 19%
577,193
Population
543,348

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Tucson, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $211/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $2,532/year.

Median household income is $5,077/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $242,200 in Tucson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Tucson — common questions

Is Baltimore or Tucson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Tucson?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Tucson it's $1,079/month — a difference of $211/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Tucson?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $54,546 in Tucson. Median household income is $5,077/year higher in Baltimore.
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 Tucson?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Tucson has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,079/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Tucson details →