What is the cost of living in Baltimore, MD?

In Baltimore, the median home value is $202,900 and median rent is $1,235 per month, against a median household income of $58,349. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).

How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Baltimore?

A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,235/month, that implies an income of about $49,400 to keep housing affordable in Baltimore.

Is it better to rent or buy in Baltimore?

With a median home value of $202,900 and median rent of $1,235/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Baltimore depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Baltimore, MD Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for Baltimore, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

584,548

Population

$58,349

Median household income

-19% vs tracked median

$202,900

Median home value

-38% vs tracked median

$1,235/mo

Median rent

-12% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

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Baltimore, Maryland is home to roughly 584,548 residents. The typical household earns $58,349 per year — below the median across cities we track (-19%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $202,900 (below the multi-city median at -38%), while renters pay a median of $1,235 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in Baltimore

Median home value is $202,900 and median gross rent is $1,235/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for Baltimore.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

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Moving to Baltimore

Planning a move to Baltimore? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Baltimore, MD?: In Baltimore, the median home value is $202,900 and median rent is $1,235 per month, against a median household income of $58,349. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Baltimore?: A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,235/month, that implies an income of about $49,400 to keep housing affordable in Baltimore.
Is it better to rent or buy in Baltimore?: With a median home value of $202,900 and median rent of $1,235/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Baltimore depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.