Baltimore vs Raleigh: cost of living compared
Raleigh is 15% cheaper than Baltimore overall. State income tax tops out around 4.5% in NC 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
Baltimore generally presents a noticeably higher overall cost of living compared to Raleigh. This difference is primarily driven by higher expenses in Baltimore across several key categories, making it a more expensive place to reside. Raleigh, by contrast, aligns closely with the national average for overall expenses, offering a more budget-friendly environment for many household needs.
Housing
When considering housing, Raleigh's median home prices are somewhat higher than Baltimore's, though one-bedroom rents are roughly similar, with Baltimore being slightly more expensive. Baltimore's housing stock often includes historic rowhouses, while Raleigh features a mix of newer suburban developments. Property taxes and insurance costs can vary significantly between these different housing types and locations.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show a clear divergence. Baltimore residents can expect to pay more for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities compared to Raleigh. State income tax rates are quite similar in both states, with North Carolina's being marginally lower. This means that everyday spending on essentials will generally be more affordable in Raleigh.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move between these metros brings lifestyle changes. Baltimore offers a dense, historic urban environment with four distinct seasons and a coastal influence. Raleigh provides a more spread-out, modern feel with a generally milder climate and a focus on green spaces. Commute times are shorter in Raleigh, suggesting a slightly less congested daily experience.
Bottom line
For household budgets, a move from Baltimore to Raleigh would likely result in a noticeable reduction in overall expenditures, particularly across most daily living categories. While Raleigh's home purchase prices can be higher, the cumulative effect of lower costs for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities in Raleigh could lead to significant savings over time.
| Measure | Baltimore, MD | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 100 |
| Housing index | 100 | 106 |
| Transportation index | 118 | 97 |
| Food index | 105 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 98 |
| Misc index | 105 | 90 |
| Median home price | $348,000 | $388,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,500/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Raleigh home with the True Cost Calculator.