Median rent is 43% lower in Baltimore ($1,331/mo vs $2,322/mo). Buying is cheaper in Baltimore, where the median home runs $229,600 versus $895,000. Households earn more in Arlington ($142,114 vs $62,177 a year). Taken together, Baltimore is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.2 against 109.5 — about 6% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Arlington, VA.
Cost of living verdict
Baltimore is 6% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 103.2 in Baltimore vs 109.5 in Arlington (US national average = 100)
City A
Arlington, VA
City B
Baltimore, MD
How much would you need to earn in Baltimore, MD to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, VA?
Equivalent salary in Baltimore, MD
$70,646
You could earn $4,354 less (6% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Arlington
Virginia
Baltimore
Maryland
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Baltimore — median rent of $1,331/mo versus $2,322/mo in Arlington, a 43% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Arlington: the median home is $895,000 versus $229,600 in Baltimore — 74% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Arlington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Baltimore
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Both cities have similar air quality: Arlington averages 24.0 AQI (Good) and Baltimore averages 25.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 103.2 vs 109.5).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize higher median household income ($142,114/yr).
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,331/mo median).
Is Arlington cheaper than Baltimore?
Baltimore is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.2 versus 109.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 6% lower in Baltimore.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Baltimore?
Median rent is $2,322/mo in Arlington, VA and $1,331/mo in Baltimore, MD. Baltimore, MD has the lower rent by about 43%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Baltimore?
Median household income is $142,114 in Arlington, VA and $62,177 in Baltimore, MD. Arlington, VA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Arlington, VA has better air quality on average: 24.0 AQI versus 25.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Baltimore?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Baltimore to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, VA is equivalent to roughly $94,195 in Baltimore, MD (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
