Baltimore vs Denver: cost of living compared
Denver is 8% more expensive than Baltimore overall. State income tax tops out around 4.4% in CO vs 4.75% in MD.
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
Comparing Baltimore and Denver reveals a notable difference in overall cost of living. Denver is generally more expensive, with housing being the primary driver of this disparity. While some daily expenses like food and healthcare are quite similar between the two metros, the significant gap in housing costs makes Denver the pricier option for residents. Baltimore offers a more budget-friendly environment overall.
Housing
Housing costs present a substantial difference, with both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents being considerably higher in Denver. Baltimore's housing market is more accessible for both buyers and renters. Denver's housing stock tends to be newer, while Baltimore features a mix of historic and modern homes. Property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, impacting total ownership expenses.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show some variation. Baltimore's state income tax rate is slightly higher than Denver's. Transportation costs are noticeably higher in Baltimore, while utilities also tend to be more expensive there. Food and healthcare expenses are quite comparable between the two cities. Miscellaneous goods and services are slightly more costly in Denver, but overall, daily spending patterns differ significantly.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences are pronounced. Baltimore, an East Coast port city, experiences humid summers and cold winters, with a dense, historic feel. Its public transit system offers various options. Denver, situated in the Mountain West, boasts a drier, sunnier climate with distinct seasons and easy access to outdoor activities. Its public transit network is also robust, and commutes are generally shorter.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear. Denver presents a higher cost of living, predominantly due to its significantly more expensive housing market. While Baltimore has higher transportation and utility costs, its more affordable housing and slightly higher income tax rate still result in a more budget-friendly overall environment compared to Denver. Your budget will stretch further in Baltimore.
| Measure | Baltimore, MD | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 128 |
| Housing index | 100 | 146 |
| Transportation index | 118 | 104 |
| Food index | 105 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 98 |
| Misc index | 105 | 108 |
| Median home price | $348,000 | $548,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,950/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Denver home with the True Cost Calculator.