Arlington, VA vs Baltimore, MD: Cost of Living Comparison
Baltimore has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Arlington | Baltimore | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 79 | Baltimore |
| Housing | 248 ($1,593) | 63 ($903) | Baltimore |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Arlington |
| Food & groceries | 188 ($771) | 80 ($328) | Baltimore |
| Utilities | 174 ($446) | 82 ($113) | Baltimore |
| Healthcare | 174 ($322) | 82 ($82) | Baltimore |
| Median annual wage | 115 ($55,690) | 123 ($59,510) | Arlington |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington, VA or Baltimore, MD cheaper to live in?
Baltimore, MD is cheaper overall by about 111 index points (Arlington, VA: 190, Baltimore, MD: 79; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Arlington, VA vs Baltimore, MD?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Arlington, VA and $27,650/year in Baltimore, MD to cover basic living costs.