Cost of Living in Baltimore, MD

With a cost of living index of 93, Baltimore, MD is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 7% cheaper than the national average and 26% below the Maryland state average of 119. As a major city with a population of 577,193, Baltimore offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Baltimore's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,290 (2% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $219,300 (28% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.7x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Baltimore is $59,623, which is 21% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Baltimore. The area sees an average annual temperature of 59.1°F, with summers averaging 79°F and winters around 39°F. Annual rainfall totals 43.7 inches spread over roughly 119 days.

Everyday prices in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.