Median rent is 3% lower in Baltimore ($1,290/mo vs $1,329/mo). Buying is cheaper in Baltimore, where the median home runs $219,300 versus $345,600. Households earn more in Minneapolis ($80,269 vs $59,623 a year). Taken together, Baltimore is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.4 against 102.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Minneapolis, MN.
City A
Baltimore, MD
City B
Minneapolis, MN
How much would you need to earn in Minneapolis, MN to maintain your standard of living from Baltimore, MD?
Equivalent salary in Minneapolis, MN
$75,163
You'd need $163 more (0% higher).
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
Minneapolis
Minnesota
👥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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,290/mo in Baltimore and $1,329/mo in Minneapolis. Home buyers face a steeper market in Minneapolis: the median home is $345,600 versus $219,300 in Baltimore — 37% 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 9.85% in Minnesota, so Baltimore is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Maryland and 6.88% in Minnesota; Baltimore has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Baltimore
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Minneapolis
Income tax: 9.85%
Sales tax: 6.88%
Minneapolis has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 53.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Minneapolis if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,269/yr).
Pick Minneapolis if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 24.0).
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.75%).
Is Baltimore cheaper than Minneapolis?
Baltimore is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 102.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Baltimore.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs Minneapolis?
Median rent is $1,290/mo in Baltimore, MD and $1,329/mo in Minneapolis, MN. Baltimore, MD has the lower rent by about 3%.
Which has higher salaries — Baltimore or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore, MD and $80,269 in Minneapolis, MN. Minneapolis, MN 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?
Minneapolis, MN has better air quality on average: 24.0 AQI versus 53.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Baltimore or Minneapolis?
Maryland's top income tax rate is 5.75% and Minnesota's is 9.85%. Baltimore, MD has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Minneapolis to match my Baltimore income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Baltimore, MD is equivalent to roughly $100,217 in Minneapolis, MN (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