Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Baltimore, MD (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

Boston is 110% more expensive than Baltimore.

$2,093/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↓ 38%
$94,755/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 37%
$710,400 ↑ 224%
Home Value
$219,300 ↓ 69%
$2,176/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↓ 39%
663,972
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.07%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $803/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $9,636/year.

Median household income is $35,132/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Baltimore — common questions

Is Boston or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Baltimore?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $803/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Baltimore?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $35,132/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Maryland?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,290/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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