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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

Houston is 5% more expensive than Baltimore.

$1,313/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↓ 2%
$62,894/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 5%
$253,400 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$219,300 ↓ 13%
$1,316/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↑ 1%
2,300,419
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,271/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Baltimore — common questions

Is Houston or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Baltimore?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Baltimore?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $3,271/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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