Baltimore, MD vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living Comparison
Baltimore has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Baltimore | Washington | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 79 | 163 | Baltimore |
| Housing | 63 ($903) | 208 ($1,330) | Baltimore |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 80 ($328) | 142 ($582) | Baltimore |
| Utilities | 82 ($113) | 154 ($374) | Baltimore |
| Healthcare | 82 ($82) | 154 ($270) | Baltimore |
| Median annual wage | 123 ($59,510) | 189 ($91,540) | Baltimore |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore, MD or Washington, DC cheaper to live in?
Baltimore, MD is cheaper overall by about 84 index points (Baltimore, MD: 79, Washington, DC: 163; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Baltimore, MD vs Washington, DC?
A single adult needs roughly $27,650/year in Baltimore, MD and $57,050/year in Washington, DC to cover basic living costs.