Median rent is 35% lower in Baltimore ($1,290/mo vs $1,998/mo). Buying is cheaper in Baltimore, where the median home runs $219,300 versus $480,300. Households earn more in Columbia ($129,173 vs $59,623 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (102.4).
City A
Baltimore, MD
City B
Columbia, MD
How much would you need to earn in Columbia, MD to maintain your standard of living from Baltimore, MD?
Equivalent salary in Columbia, MD
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Baltimore
Maryland
Columbia
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: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Baltimore — median rent of $1,290/mo versus $1,998/mo in Columbia, a 35% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Columbia: the median home is $480,300 versus $219,300 in Baltimore — 54% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Maryland's top income tax rate is 5.75% versus 5.75% in Maryland, so Columbia is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Maryland and 6.00% in Maryland; Columbia has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Baltimore
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Columbia
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Baltimore (avg AQI 53.0) but not yet for Columbia.
Pick Columbia if you prioritize higher median household income ($129,173/yr).
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,290/mo median).
Is Baltimore cheaper than Columbia?
Baltimore is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 102.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Baltimore.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs Columbia?
Median rent is $1,290/mo in Baltimore, MD and $1,998/mo in Columbia, MD. Baltimore, MD has the lower rent by about 35%.
Which has higher salaries — Baltimore or Columbia?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore, MD and $129,173 in Columbia, MD. Columbia, MD 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Baltimore or Columbia?
Maryland's top income tax rate is 5.75% and Maryland's is 5.75%. Columbia, MD has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Columbia to match my Baltimore income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Baltimore, MD is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Columbia, MD (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology