Cost of Living in Baltimore, Maryland (2026)
COL Index
110
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,900
per month
Median HHI
$60K
per year
State Tax
4.8%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Baltimore |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $1,500 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,900 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,500 |
| Median home price | $300K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 103 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $15 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $60 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $88 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.30 |
| Car insurance/mo | $175 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $175 |
| Internet/mo | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $60K |
| State income tax rate | 4.8% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6.0% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 110 |
| Walk score / 100 | 66 |
Is Baltimore affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,568/mo take-home
74% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,960/mo take-home
64% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,553/mo take-home
53% rent burden · Difficult
$75K
~$4,441/mo take-home
43% rent burden · Tight
$80K
~$4,737/mo take-home
40% rent burden · Tight
$100K
~$5,921/mo take-home
32% rent burden · Manageable
$120K
~$6,675/mo take-home
28% rent burden · Manageable
$150K
~$8,344/mo take-home
23% rent burden · Comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only