Baltimore vs Washington: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Baltimore's median home value is $202,900 — 71% lower than Washington's $705,000.
Typical households bring in $58,349 a year in Baltimore, versus $101,722 in Washington.
Monthly rent typically costs $1,235 in Baltimore and $1,817 in Washington.
Climate risk is a wash here — both cities carry a "Relatively High" FEMA rating.
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 584,548 | 670,587 |
| Median home value | $202,900 | $705,000 |
| Median household income | $58,349 | $101,722 |
| Median gross rent | $1,235 | $1,817 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Relatively High |
Washington, DC runs higher than Baltimore, MD on both median home value and rent — a clear housing-cost edge for Baltimore, MD, though only on housing.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.