Baltimore vs Dallas: cost of living compared
Dallas is 11% cheaper than Baltimore overall. Dallas (TX) has no state income tax; MD tops out around 4.75%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Baltimore to Dallas generally means a noticeable reduction in overall living expenses. While some categories are quite similar, Dallas offers a more affordable cost of living across the board. This difference is driven by several key factors, including the absence of a state income tax in Texas, which significantly impacts take-home pay, and lower costs for daily necessities. Baltimore tends to be more expensive in most categories when compared to Dallas.
Housing
Housing costs in Baltimore and Dallas are quite comparable, with median home prices being roughly similar, though Baltimore's is slightly lower. For renters, Dallas offers a slightly more affordable median price for a one-bedroom apartment. Both cities feature a mix of housing styles, from historic rowhouses in Baltimore to more sprawling suburban developments in Dallas. Property taxes and insurance costs can vary significantly between the two regions, impacting the total cost of homeownership.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses see a notable difference, primarily due to Texas having no state income tax, which can lead to more disposable income for Dallas residents. Transportation costs are higher in Baltimore, while Dallas offers a more affordable experience for getting around. Food, healthcare, and utilities are all noticeably more expensive in Baltimore, making everyday spending on essentials lower in Dallas. This contributes significantly to the overall cost difference.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move would bring distinct lifestyle changes. Baltimore experiences four distinct seasons, including colder winters, while Dallas has hotter summers and milder winters, characteristic of its southern climate. Baltimore's urban core is denser with a more established public transit system, whereas Dallas is a sprawling metro often requiring a car, though it also has some public transit options. Commute times are generally longer in Baltimore compared to Dallas.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, Dallas generally presents a more budget-friendly option compared to Baltimore. The absence of a state income tax in Texas, combined with lower costs for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities, means that a similar income could stretch further in Dallas. While housing costs are quite close, the cumulative effect of other expenses makes Dallas the more affordable choice for managing a household budget.
| Measure | Baltimore, MD | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 105 |
| Housing index | 100 | 99 |
| Transportation index | 118 | 104 |
| Food index | 105 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 102 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 105 |
| Misc index | 105 | 98 |
| Median home price | $348,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,450/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 29 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Dallas home with the True Cost Calculator.