Median rent is 32% lower in Baltimore ($1,331/mo vs $1,954/mo). Buying is cheaper in Baltimore, where the median home runs $229,600 versus $737,100. Households earn more in Washington ($109,870 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 Washington, DC.
Cost of living verdict
Baltimore is 6% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 103.2 in Baltimore vs 109.5 in Washington (US national average = 100)
City A
Baltimore, MD
City B
Washington, DC
How much would you need to earn in Washington, DC to maintain your standard of living from Baltimore, MD?
Equivalent salary in Washington, DC
$79,622
You'd need $4,622 more (6% higher).
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
Washington
District of Columbia
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 $1,954/mo in Washington, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Washington: the median home is $737,100 versus $229,600 in Baltimore — 69% 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
Washington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Both cities have similar air quality: Baltimore averages 25.0 AQI (Good) and Washington averages 24.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 103.2 vs 109.5).
Pick Washington if you prioritize higher median household income ($109,870/yr).
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,331/mo median).
Is Baltimore cheaper than Washington?
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 Baltimore vs Washington?
Median rent is $1,331/mo in Baltimore, MD and $1,954/mo in Washington, DC. Baltimore, MD has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Baltimore or Washington?
Median household income is $62,177 in Baltimore, MD and $109,870 in Washington, DC. Washington, DC 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?
Washington, DC 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 — Baltimore or Washington?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Washington to match my Baltimore income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Baltimore, MD is equivalent to roughly $106,163 in Washington, DC (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
