Cost of Living in Baltimore, MD
Baltimore's cost of living index is 108 — 8% more expensive than the national average. Maryland has a state income tax and a statewide COL index of 129.
COL Index
108
100 = national avg
Monthly Budget
$5,400
vs $5,000 national
Population
0.6M
Metro area
State Tax
Yes
Maryland
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs in Baltimore vs national average for a typical household.
| Category | National Avg | Baltimore | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,650 | $1,848 | +$198 |
| Groceries | $650 | $692 | +$42 |
| Transportation | $800 | $858 | +$58 |
| Healthcare | $400 | $422 | +$22 |
| Utilities | $300 | $324 | +$24 |
| Other | $1,200 | $1,277 | +$77 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,400 | +$400 |
Salary Equivalent
To maintain the same standard of living in Baltimore, a national-average salary translates to:
$50,000 nationally
$54,000
$75,000 nationally
$81,000
$100,000 nationally
$108,000
$150,000 nationally
$162,000