Median rent is 24% lower in Baltimore ($1,331/mo vs $1,747/mo). Buying is cheaper in Baltimore, where the median home runs $229,600 versus $394,100. Households earn more in Orlando ($72,336 vs $62,177 a year). Taken together, Orlando is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 101.6 against 103.2 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Orlando, FL.
Cost of living verdict
Orlando is 2% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 101.6 in Orlando vs 103.2 in Baltimore (US national average = 100)
City A
Baltimore, MD
City B
Orlando, FL
How much would you need to earn in Orlando, FL to maintain your standard of living from Baltimore, MD?
Equivalent salary in Orlando, FL
$73,841
You could earn $1,159 less (2% 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
Baltimore
Maryland
Orlando
Florida
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 $1,747/mo in Orlando, a 24% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Orlando: the median home is $394,100 versus $229,600 in Baltimore — 42% 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.
Baltimore
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Orlando
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Baltimore has cleaner air on average: 25.0 AQI (Good) compared to 54.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Orlando if you prioritize higher median household income ($72,336/yr).
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,331/mo median).
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 25.0).
Is Baltimore cheaper than Orlando?
Orlando is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 101.6 versus 103.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Orlando.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs Orlando?
Median rent is $1,331/mo in Baltimore, MD and $1,747/mo in Orlando, FL. Baltimore, MD has the lower rent by about 24%.
Which has higher salaries — Baltimore or Orlando?
Median household income is $62,177 in Baltimore, MD and $72,336 in Orlando, FL. Orlando, FL 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: 25.0 AQI versus 54.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Baltimore or Orlando?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Orlando to match my Baltimore income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Baltimore, MD is equivalent to roughly $98,455 in Orlando, FL (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
