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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Baltimore: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

4.5% above

Cost of living in Baltimore is 4.5% above the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro area (index 104.5; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Baltimore is $1,345 a month.

Cost of living in Baltimore by category

Overall prices

104.5U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

+4.5% vs. U.S.

Goods
102.4 +2.4%
Housing (rents)
118.2 +18.2%
Utilities
110.2 +10.2%
Other services
101.5 +1.5%

BEA 2024 · Baltimore metro area Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,345/mo

Median gross rent

−10% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,146 −12% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,432 −4% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,569 −6% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$247,400 −31% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$1,833 −10% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$209/mo

Average electric bill

+33% vs. U.S.

Electricity price
21.4¢/kWh +17% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$19.40/Mcf About the same as U.S.
Utilities price index
110.2

EIA July 2026 · Maryland statewide Details: Utilities

Transportation

30.2min

Mean travel time to work

+11% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
56.5%
Work from home
14%
Gasoline (PADD 1B avg.)
$4.37/gal About the same as U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$250/wk

Center care, infant

+44% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$216/wk +41% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$216/wk +50% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$180/wk +26% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Baltimore City Details: Child care

Income

$64,778/yr

Median household income

−21% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
25%
Home value to income
3.8×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Baltimore

Median gross rent in Baltimore is $1,345 a month, 10% below the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,250–$1,499 range, which holds 18.7% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 38.5% pay $1,500 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $247,400, and 1% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Baltimore vs. Maryland vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Baltimore: $1,345; Maryland: $1,721; U.S.: $1,487 Baltimore $1,345 Maryland $1,721 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Baltimore: $1,833; Maryland: $2,389; U.S.: $2,035 Baltimore $1,833 Maryland $2,389 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Baltimore: $247,400; Maryland: $436,300; U.S.: $360,600 Baltimore $247,400 Maryland $436,300 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureBaltimoreMarylandU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,345$1,721$1,487
Monthly owner costs$1,833$2,389$2,035
Median home value$247,400$436,300$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in Baltimore

What renters pay in Baltimore Share of renter households paying cash rent in Baltimore by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 12.5%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 1.2%. Median $1,345. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 12.5% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 4.7% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 9% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 16.7% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 18.7% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 23.2% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 8.9% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 4.1% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 1.1% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 1.2% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,345 (Baltimore) 23.2%
Show the data table
RangeBaltimoreU.S.
Less than $50012.5%6.1%
$500–$7494.7%6.8%
$750–$9999%11.5%
$1,000–$1,24916.7%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49918.7%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99923.2%22.2%
$2,000–$2,4998.9%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9994.1%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4991.1%3.2%
$3,500 or more1.2%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in Baltimore

Home values in Baltimore Share of owner-occupied homes in Baltimore by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 10.2%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 0.4%. Median $247,400. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than $100,000: 10.2% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 9.2% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 13.6% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 17.9% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 15.7% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 17.4% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 6.5% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 6.1% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 0.6% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 0.4% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $247,400 (Baltimore) 17.9%
Show the data table
RangeBaltimoreU.S.
Less than $100,00010.2%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9999.2%5.7%
$150,000–$199,99913.6%7.5%
$200,000–$249,99917.9%8.4%
$250,000–$299,99915.7%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99917.4%15.9%
$400,000–$499,9996.5%12%
$500,000–$749,9996.1%16.3%
$750,000–$999,9992.4%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9990.6%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more0.4%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Baltimore

Measure Baltimore Maryland U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,345$1,721$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,146$1,470$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,432$1,758$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,569$1,980$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $1,833$2,389$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Baltimore?

At the median, rent takes about 25% of household income in Baltimore. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $53,800 a year.

The median home is worth $247,400, or 3.8 times the median household income.

Household income in Baltimore

The median household in Baltimore earns $64,778 a year, 21% below the U.S. median of $81,604. About 10.4% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 21.7% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Baltimore vs. Maryland vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Baltimore: $64,778; Maryland: $102,905; U.S.: $81,604 Baltimore $64,778 Maryland $102,905 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureBaltimoreMarylandU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$64,778$102,905$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Baltimore

Household income distribution in Baltimore Share of households in Baltimore by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 9.1%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 10.4%. Median $64,778. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than $10,000: 9.1% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 5.5% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 3.7% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 3.4% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2.9% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 3.9% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 3.6% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 4.9% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 5% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 5.6% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 8.1% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 11.9% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 8.8% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 5.9% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 7.3% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 10.4% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $64,778 (Baltimore) 11.9%
Show the data table
RangeBaltimoreU.S.
Less than $10,0009.1%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9995.5%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9993.7%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9993.4%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992.9%3%
$30,000–$34,9993.9%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9993.6%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9994.9%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9995%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9995.6%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9998.1%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99911.9%12.6%
$100,000–$124,9998.8%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9995.9%7.4%
$150,000–$199,9997.3%9.7%
$200,000 or more10.4%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Baltimore Maryland U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $64,778$102,905$81,604
Median home value $247,400$436,300$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro area scored 104.5 for all items. The highest category is housing rents at 118.2; the lowest is other services at 101.5.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Baltimore metro area: 104.5; Maryland: 105.0; U.S.: 100.0 Baltimore metro area 104.5 Maryland 105.0 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Baltimore metro area: 102.4; Maryland: 102.5; U.S.: 99.6 Baltimore metro area 102.4 Maryland 102.5 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Baltimore metro area: 118.2; Maryland: 121.1; U.S.: 100.6 Baltimore metro area 118.2 Maryland 121.1 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Baltimore metro area: 110.2; Maryland: 110.9; U.S.: 98.4 Baltimore metro area 110.2 Maryland 110.9 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Baltimore metro area: 101.5; Maryland: 101.6; U.S.: 100.1 Baltimore metro area 101.5 Maryland 101.6 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureBaltimore metro areaMarylandU.S.
All items104.5105.0100.0
Goods102.4102.599.6
Housing (rents)118.2121.1100.6
Utilities110.2110.998.4
Other services101.5101.6100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Metro area: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Maryland paid an average of 21.4¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $209 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $19.40 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices are reported statewide, so these are Maryland averages rather than figures for Baltimore alone.

Energy prices: Maryland vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Maryland: 21.4¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Maryland 21.4¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Maryland: $209; U.S.: $157 Maryland $209 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) Maryland: $19.40; U.S.: $19.40 Maryland $19.40 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureMarylandU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)21.4¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$209$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$19.40$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Baltimore who commute spend an average of 30.2 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (56.5% of workers); 14% work from home. Gasoline in the Central Atlantic region (PADD 1B), which includes Maryland, averaged $4.37 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate Maryland price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work Baltimore: Drove alone 56.5%, Carpooled 9.7%, Public transit 9.7%, Walked 5.7%, Bicycle 1.1%, Worked from home 14%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 3.3%. Maryland: Drove alone 66.4%, Carpooled 8.7%, Public transit 5%, Walked 2.3%, Bicycle 0.3%, Worked from home 15.6%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in Baltimore: Drove alone. Baltimore Baltimore · Drove alone: 56.5% 56.5% Baltimore · Carpooled: 9.7% Baltimore · Public transit: 9.7% Baltimore · Walked: 5.7% Baltimore · Bicycle: 1.1% Baltimore · Worked from home: 14% 14% Baltimore · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 3.3% Maryland Maryland · Drove alone: 66.4% 66.4% Maryland · Carpooled: 8.7% Maryland · Public transit: 5% Maryland · Walked: 2.3% Maryland · Bicycle: 0.3% Maryland · Worked from home: 15.6% 15.6% Maryland · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationBaltimoreMarylandU.S.
Drove alone56.5%66.4%69.2%
Carpooled9.7%8.7%9.2%
Public transit9.7%5%3.7%
Walked5.7%2.3%2.4%
Bicycle1.1%0.3%0.5%
Worked from home14%15.6%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)3.3%1.7%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in Baltimore

Travel time to work in Baltimore Share of workers who do not work from home in Baltimore by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 2.1%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 5.2%. Mean 30.2 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than 5 min: 2.1% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 6.2% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 9.8% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 13.9% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 16.5% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 8.8% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 15.7% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 3.3% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 3.6% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 8.7% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 6.3% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 5.2% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 30.2 min (Baltimore) 16.5%
Show the data table
RangeBaltimoreU.S.
Less than 5 min2.1%2.8%
5–9 min6.2%9.4%
10–14 min9.8%13.1%
15–19 min13.9%15%
20–24 min16.5%14.1%
25–29 min8.8%7%
30–34 min15.7%13.7%
35–39 min3.3%3.4%
40–44 min3.6%4.1%
45–59 min8.7%8.3%
60–89 min6.3%6.3%
90 min or more5.2%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Baltimore

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $250 a week in Baltimore City, or $13,001 over 52 weeks. That is 44% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care Baltimore City Maryland (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $250$254$174
Center-based care, toddler $216$175$153
Center-based care, preschool $216$175$144
Center-based care, school-age $189$163$120
Home-based family care, infant $180$177$143
Home-based family care, toddler $156$156$132
Home-based family care, preschool $156$156$131
Home-based family care, school-age $140$129$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than Baltimore prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Baltimore?

Median rent is $1,146 for a one-bedroom and $1,432 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Baltimore?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 26.2% pay less than $1,000 a month, 58.6% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 15.3% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in Baltimore?

To keep the median rent of $1,345 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $53,800 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Baltimore more expensive than the U.S. average?

Yes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro area at 104.5 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 4.5% above average. Housing rents score 118.2.

How long is the average commute in Baltimore?

30.2 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Baltimore?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $250 a week in Baltimore City in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.