Median rent is 27% lower in Baltimore ($1,290/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Baltimore, where the median home runs $219,300 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $59,623 a year). Taken together, Baltimore is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.4 against 113.0 — about 9% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
Baltimore is 9% cheaper overall
Cost index: 102.4 in Baltimore vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Baltimore, MD
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Baltimore, MD?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$82,739
You'd need $7,739 more (10% 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
New York
New York
👥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 $1,779/mo in New York, a 27% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $219,300 in Baltimore — 71% 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 10.90% in New York, so Baltimore is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Maryland and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Baltimore
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Baltimore has cleaner air on average: 53.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.4 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,290/mo median).
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 53.0).
Is Baltimore cheaper than New York?
Baltimore is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 9% lower in Baltimore.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs New York?
Median rent is $1,290/mo in Baltimore, MD and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Baltimore, MD has the lower rent by about 27%.
Which has higher salaries — Baltimore or New York?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore, MD and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY 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?
Baltimore, MD has better air quality on average: 53.0 AQI versus 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Baltimore or New York?
Maryland's top income tax rate is 5.75% and New York's is 10.90%. Baltimore, MD has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Baltimore income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Baltimore, MD is equivalent to roughly $110,318 in New York, NY (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