Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Baltimore, MD (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

Dallas is 15% more expensive than Baltimore.

$1,403/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↓ 8%
$67,760/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 12%
$295,300 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$219,300 ↓ 26%
$1,409/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↓ 5%
1,299,553
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.07%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $8,137/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Baltimore — common questions

Is Dallas or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Baltimore?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Baltimore?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $8,137/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Maryland?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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