Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Baltimore is 29% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,290/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 32%
$59,623/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 16%
$219,300 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 69%
$1,333/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 25%
577,193
Population
119,508

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
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $9,638/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Baltimore or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $9,638/year higher in West Palm Beach.
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 West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and West Palm Beach

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings