Baltimore vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 8% cheaper than Baltimore overall. State income tax tops out around 4.65% in UT 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 Salt Lake City reveals a noticeable difference in overall cost of living. Baltimore tends to be more expensive across the board, with its higher overall index driven largely by transportation and healthcare costs. Salt Lake City, while having a higher housing cost for buyers, balances this with significantly lower expenses for transportation, utilities, and miscellaneous goods and services, making it the more affordable option overall.
Housing
When it comes to housing, Salt Lake City presents a much higher median home price for buyers compared to Baltimore. However, for renters, a one-bedroom apartment in both cities carries a roughly similar monthly cost. Baltimore's housing index is closer to the national average, while Salt Lake City's is considerably above it for homeownership. Baltimore offers a mix of historic rowhouses and urban dwellings, whereas Salt Lake City features more modern, suburban-style homes and mountain-adjacent properties.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary considerably between these two metros. Salt Lake City offers noticeable savings on food, healthcare, and utilities compared to Baltimore. Transportation costs are also substantially lower in Salt Lake City, contributing to a more economical daily commute. Both states have similar income tax rates, with only a slight difference. Baltimore's higher costs in these categories mean a larger portion of income goes towards essential goods and services.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move between these cities means a shift in environment. Baltimore, a historic East Coast port city, offers a humid subtropical climate and a dense urban feel with established public transit. Salt Lake City, nestled in a mountain valley, experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct seasons, including snowy winters, and a more car-dependent culture with a faster commute time. The pace of life and access to outdoor recreation also differ significantly.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Salt Lake City generally offers a more economical lifestyle due to lower everyday expenses, despite its higher home purchase prices. While rent is comparable, the savings on transportation, utilities, and groceries in Salt Lake City could translate to a more favorable household budget. Baltimore's higher overall costs, particularly in transportation and healthcare, would require a larger income to maintain a similar standard of living.
| Measure | Baltimore, MD | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 108 |
| Housing index | 100 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 118 | 89 |
| Food index | 105 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 95 |
| Misc index | 105 | 95 |
| Median home price | $348,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 24 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Salt Lake City home with the True Cost Calculator.