Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Baltimore, MD (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

Denver is 75% more expensive than Baltimore.

$1,770/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↓ 27%
$91,681/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 35%
$586,700 ↑ 168%
Home Value
$219,300 ↓ 63%
$1,839/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↓ 28%
713,734
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.07%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $32,058/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Baltimore — common questions

Is Denver or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Baltimore?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $480/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Baltimore?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $32,058/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Maryland?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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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