Cost of Living: Baltimore vs Houston (2026)
Houston has a 16% lower overall cost of living than Baltimore as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,350/mo in Houston vs $1,900/mo in Baltimore — a 41% difference. Houston has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Baltimore (4.8% rate).
- Houston is 16% cheaper overall (COL index: 110 vs 95)
- 1BR rent: $1,350/mo in Houston vs $1,900/mo — 29% savings
- Houston has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Baltimore ($60,000/yr vs $56,000/yr)
- Median home price: $280,000 in Houston vs $300,000 — 7% difference
| Category | Baltimore Maryland | Houston Texas |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,500 | $1,050Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,900 | $1,350Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,500 | $1,700Best |
| Median home price | $300K | $280KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 103 | 94Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $15 | $12Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $60 | $50Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $88Best | $90 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.30 | $3.10Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $175Best | $190 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $175Best | $175 |
| Internet/mo | $65Best | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $60KBest | $56K |
| State income tax% | 4.8% | 0.0%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 6.0%Best | 8.3% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $16.00 | $15.00Best |
| Gym membership/mo | $45 | $35Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $7.00 | $6.00Best |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 110 | 95Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 66Best | 49 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Baltimore cheaper than Houston?
No. Houston is 16% cheaper than Baltimore based on overall cost of living indices (95 vs 110, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Baltimore vs Houston?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore is $1,900/month and in Houston is $1,350/month. Baltimore is more expensive by 41%.
How much do I need to earn in Houston to match a $75,000 salary in Baltimore?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $64,773/year in Houston to match a $75,000 salary in Baltimore. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Baltimore or Houston?
Houston has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 4.8%. Houston has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Baltimore to Houston?
It depends on your priorities. Houston offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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