How Much Does it Cost to Live in Baltimore, MD?

Considering moving to Baltimore? Whether you're moving short distance from another city within Maryland, or making a cross-country move—knowing the overall costs for housing, utilities, goods and services, healthcare, and more, as well as asking movers questions before hiring, can help you better plan for a transition to this East Coast city. Here's everything you need to know about the cost of living in Baltimore!

Cost of living data provided by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).

How Much Does It Cost To Live In Baltimore?

The cost of living in Baltimore is 0.5% higher than the national average, making it a popular place to move and a relatively affordable big city to live in—compared to nearby cities like Boston and New York City. Categories like housing and healthcare are where residents see the most savings. Take a closer look at the cost comparisons below!

Cost of Housing in Baltimore

Residents of Baltimore can find reasonably-priced homes, as the average home price is lower than the national average. While apartment rent is slightly more, there are plenty of affordable Baltimore neighborhoods that may offer lower rental costs. Check out this cost comparison of the housing and apartment rent prices in Baltimore.

Cost of Utilities in Baltimore (Monthly)

Monthly energy and phone costs in Baltimore are higher than the national average, but are still reasonable compared to other big East Coast cities. Here's a cost comparison of average energy and phone prices in Baltimore compared to the national average.

Cost of Groceries in Baltimore

You can expect to pay between $400 and $500 on groceries in Baltimore—with items like milk, bananas, and orange juice being more affordable than the national average. Keep in mind your total monthly grocery expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle, home size, and where you shop. Take a closer look at the cost of groceries in Baltimore!

Cost of Healthcare in Baltimore

The cost of healthcare services in Baltimore—including doctor's visits and prescription medication—is slightly less than the national average, making it possible to find affordable healthcare. Take a look at the full costs of medical services in Baltimore.

Cost of Transportation in Baltimore

The cost of tires and gas in Baltimore is higher than the national average, likely due to the majority of commuters driving to and from the city. If you're looking to save on costs, consider public transportation options like the CityLink bus system, Metro Subway, or Light Rail. If you do plan to have a car while living in Baltimore, here's what you can expect to pay for transportation.

Cost of Goods & Services in Baltimore

Because Baltimore is a major metro, the cost of goods and services is about 8% higher than the national average. However, depending on where you shop or which services you need, you may be able to find affordable options. Here's everything you need to know about the cost of goods & services in Baltimore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it expensive to live in Baltimore?

While the cost of living in Baltimore is higher than the national average, the city is more affordable compared to other East Coast metropolitan areas. Costs like utilities and transportation contribute to the high cost of living, but housing costs remain lower than the national average.

What salary do you need to live in Baltimore?

For single adults living in Baltimore, the recommended salary to live comfortably is $85,000. Families with kids may need to aim for a salary around $218,000. Keep in mind that your earning needs will vary depending on the area of Baltimore you live in, your lifestyle, and home size.

What are the average monthly expenses in Baltimore?

A single adult in Baltimore can expect to spend about $1,250 per month, excluding rent. Keep in mind that you may spend more or less each month depending on your lifestyle, habits, and how you choose to spend your money. If you're on a budget, consider exploring affordable areas of Baltimore or cutting down on entertainment costs.

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Moving to Baltimore? Find helpful moving resources on our Moving Hub, or if you need storage throughout your relocation, Extra Space Storage has facilities located across the Baltimore metro to help. Find self storage near you today!