What is the Baltimore cost of living? As an affordable East Coast city, Baltimore is with just 0.8% higher than the national average cost of living. Baltimore is the largest city in the state of Maryland on the East Coast of the United States. It is also a historic and vibrant city on the East Coast of the country. As an important port city and cultural center, it attracts a large number of students, professionals and families. Knowing the cost of living in Baltimore is therefore crucial for those planning to live or study there. This article will delve into what Baltimore spends on housing, utilities, food, education, transportation, entertainment, and healthcare, and analyze how these factors affect the overall cost of living in Baltimore, Maryland.
Is It Expensive to Live in Baltimore, Maryland?
Baltimore cost of living is overall 0.8% higher than the national average, yet 13% lower than the state average, making it a more expensive city than other US locations out of the Maryland but a more affordable area in the state. According to the latest statistics, with $1,300 – $1,900 a month, a single person can live a common life in Baltimore, excluding the housing rent and the tuition. The utility bill and transportation fee are both higher when comparing to the national average data and state average data. The food and entertainment is 4% pricer than the national average, while 5% lower and 2% lower separately than the Maryland average. Healthcare is 2% less than the national average, but 2% more than the state average. Housing rental stands a large ratio in our living expenses in Baltimore, however, it is 6% less expensive than the United States average and 35% than the MD average. So, combined with its location and resource, the performance of living expenses in Baltimore is particularly outstanding and attractive in East Coast cities.
| Baltimore Cost of Living | |
|---|---|
| Category | Average Cost |
| Housing rent | $1,600 (monthly) |
| Utilities | $175 – $450 (monthly) |
| Education | $5,815 – $75,000 (yearly) |
| Food & Drink | $600 (monthly) |
| Transportation | $75 – $200 (monthly) |
| Entertainment | $300 – $600 (monthly) |
| Healthcare | $134 (monthly) |
Baltimore Cost of Living on Housing
Renting is a core living expense, and Baltimore has some advantages here. Housing in Baltimore is 6% less expensive than the U.S. average, with rent around $1,600 per month, which is around 35% lower than that in Washington, D.C., and 60% lower than that in New York City. But still, Baltimore housing rentals are various according to different areas and diverse room types, even sharplier divided by region these years. One-bedroom apartments in the Baltimore city center rent for about $1,800 – $2,500 a month, while similar listings in the northern suburbs cost $1,200 – $1,600 per month. For those on a budget, East Baltimore or Southwest Baltimore neighborhoods offer more options, with monthly rentals around $800- $1,200, but with an eye toward neighborhood safety. Here is an overview of average housing rent of diverse room types in Baltimore, MD:
| Average Housing Rent in Baltimore | |
|---|---|
| Room Types | Ave. Monthly rental |
| Studio | $990 |
| 1-Bedroom Apt | $1,150 |
| 2- Bedroom Apt | $1,420 |
| 3-Bedroom Apt | $1,840 |
| 4-Bedroom Apt | $2,100 |
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Baltimore Maryland Cost of Living on Utilities
Utilities in Baltimore are 10% pricer than the U.S. average and 1% higher than the state average. The average Baltimore Maryland living cost on utilities is around $175 – $450 per month, and the specific bills may depending on the number of the family members. If you choose an energy-efficient apartment, you can save 10% to 15% on energy costs.
| Utilities Cost in Baltimore | |
|---|---|
| Category | Ave. Monthly Cost |
| Energy | $172 |
| Phone | $57 |
| Internet | $84 |
| TV | $238 |
Cost of Living in Baltimore: Education
Public schools in Baltimore are ranked in the top 10 in the United States for quality, and K-12 is completely free. Private schools charge between $20,000 and $40,000 a year. In terms of higher education, Baltimore is home to many top universities and colleges, such as Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). For college students, tuition is also a cost that cannot be ignored. However, tuition fees are different for different universities and colleges and majors. Tuition at Johns Hopkins University, for example, is about $75,000, but scholarship resources are plentiful. For your consideration, we have listed the costs of admission to some of leading universities and colleges in Baltimore as follows:
| Tuitions of the Universities in Baltimore, MD | |
|---|---|
| University | Tuition (per academic year) |
| Johns Hopkins University | $75,000 |
| University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) | In-State: $13,689 Out-of-State: $32,745 |
| Loyola University Maryland | $59,150 |
| Morgan State University | Maryland Resident: $5,815 Non Maryland Resident: $16,925 |
Baltimore Living expenses on Food & Drink
Food living expenses in Baltimore is 4% higher than the national average, but 5% lower than the state average. Averagely, $600 each month can ensure you have a nice level of eating. However, the cost of dining in Baltimore varies widely. It is cheap to buy fruits, vegetables, and drinks in supermarkets, and the discount products in supermarkets will further compress the food & drink budget. If you go to a restaurant to eat, fast food per capita $10-15, inexpensive restaurant costs about $18 per meal, while mid-range restaurants for two people is around $78.
| Food Prices in Baltimore | |
|---|---|
| Food | Cost |
| Bread (white, 500g) | $3.94 |
| Milk (1 liter) | $1.06 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $4.41 |
| Rice (white, 1 kg) | $5.28 |
| Sugar (1 kg) | $4.49 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | $13.42 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | $10.20 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | $15.04 |
| Apples (1kg) | $6.42 |
| Oranges (1kg) | $7.08 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.56 |
| Potato (1kg) | $3.15 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $5.96 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | $2.48 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2.30 |
| Drinks Prices in Baltimore | |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Cost |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | $2.72 |
| Soft drink (0.5 liter bottle) | $2.86 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $14.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | $2.31 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | $3.86 |
Cost of Livng in Baltimore MD: Transportation
In Baltimore, people mainly rely on private cars to get around because public transportation is limited. Baltimore cost of living on transportation is from $75 to $200 per month, which is 3% pricer than the national average, and 2% higher than the state average. A one-way subway ticket costs $2.55 and a monthly pass costs $77, but line coverage is inadequate. Ride-sharing is also a very common way to get around in Baltimore, and the cost can be considerable, Uber’s average fare is 10% lower than the national average. If you choose to drive a private car, keep an eye on Baltimore gas prices. Gas costs about $3.50 a gallon. At the same time, for people who drive private cars, parking fees are also a non-negligible expense. Parking in the city center averages $200- $300 a month.
Living Cost in Baltimore: Entertainment
Baltimore cost of living for entertainment is 4% higher than the USA average but 2% lower than the state average, with around $300 – $600 per month. Baltimore is known for free or low-cost cultural events. Famous Walters Art Museum, and Baltimore Museum of Art permanent free exhibition. The Inner Harbor also has many street performances and festivals that are free to attend. A movie ticket costs $15 in Baltimore averagely. A beauty salon is about $59, and for a normal haircut, $28 is enough. Shopping a pair of jeans takes around $54, and buying a summer dress costs about $72. If you plan to join a fitness club, you need to spend around $59.
| Cost of Entertainment in Baltimore | |
|---|---|
| Item | Ave. Cost |
| Movie | $15 |
| Fitness Club | $59 |
| Haircut | $28 |
| Beauty Salon | $59 |
| Jeans (1 pair) | $54 |
| Summer Dress | $72 |
| Running Shoes | $87 |
| Leather Business Shoes | $113 |
Cost of Healthcare in Baltimore City
Baltimore has some of the nation’s top medical institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, but healthcare costs are high. However, according to the latest data, Baltimore Maryland cost of living on healthcare is surprisingly 2% lower than the national average. The fee for a consultation with a doctor is $134 per time, and one-time dentist visit is around $118. If you take your lovely furry friends for a veterinary visit, you need to spend about $72.
| Cost of Healthcare Services in Baltimore, Maryland | |
|---|---|
| Types | Ave. Cost |
| Doctor Visit | $136 |
| Dentist Visit | $118 |
| Optometrist Visit | $115 |
| Prescription Drug | $233 |
| Ibuprofen | $11 |
| Veterinary Visit | $72 |
Conclusion on Baltimore Cost of Living
Overall, Baltimore, Maryland, is an underrated city to live in. Baltimore may not have the prosperity of New York or the sunshine of California, but its reasonable cost of living structure, rich cultural heritage and high-quality education and medical resources make it a “hidden gem” on the East Coast. For young families, students, and remote workers, Baltimore offers the resources of a metropolis balanced with the pressures of a small city.
FAQs About Cost of Living in Baltimore, Maryland
Is Baltimore an affordable city?
Baltimore is considered as one of the most affordable places to live on the East Coast in the US, with lower housing costs and healthcare expenses than the national average. Although the latest Baltimore cost of living is 0.8% higher than the U.S. average, it is even 13% less than the state average.
What is the cost of living in Baltimore vs Philadelphia?
The cost of living in Baltimore, MD, is slightly 1% lower than that in Philadelphia, PA. Specificly, transportation fees in Philadelphia is 5%higher than those in Baltimore, Maryland. The housing rent shows a huge different, with housing expenses in Baltimore is 17% less expensive than those in Philadelphia. While, on other aspects, like utilities, food, entertainment, and healthcare, Philadelphia gets a cheaper cost.
Is it cheaper to live in Baltimore or Washington D.C.?
Living in Baltimore is cheaper than living in Washington, D.C.. The overall living cost in Baltimore is 31% lower than in Washington D.C., with housing rent 35% lower than in D.C. Besides, food, transportation, entertainment, and healthcare are also cheaper in Baltimore. Only the cost of utilities in Baltimore is 1% higher than that in Washington D.C.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Baltimore, MD?
For a single adult, if you are renting, you need to earn at least $85,000 per year to ensure a comfortable life in Baltimore, Maryland. However, earning $66,000 can make you live comfortably in the city if you live in your own house in Baltimore.
Is Baltimore cost of living on housing rent high?
No, Baltimore cost of living on housing rent is 6% lower than the national average, which is budget-friendly to the students and newcomers who plan to rent a contemporary Baltimore housing.
Are Baltimore City taxes high?
In Maryland, Baltimore City has the highest real property taxes, with more than 2.2%, which is even double than anywhere else in the state. For the local income tax in Baltimore, it is based on where you live. So, if you live in Baltimore, the income tax rate is from 2.25% to 3.2%.
