Is Baltimore, MD cheaper or more expensive than New York, NY?

Baltimore, MD (RPP 102.4) is cheaper than New York, NY (RPP 113) by about 9.4%.

What salary do I need in Baltimore, MD if I earn $100,000 in New York, NY?

You would need approximately $90,619 in Baltimore, MD to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in New York, NY. Formula: $100,000 x (102.4 / 113).

Which metro had stronger net migration, New York, NY or Baltimore, MD?

For 2021-2022, New York, NY had a net loss of 242,855 people, while Baltimore, MD had a net loss of 11,489 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

Route comparison

New York, NY vs Baltimore, MD: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between New York, NY and Baltimore, MD. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

New York, NY

Overall RPP (US=100): 113
Housing RPP: 154.2
Goods RPP: 107.6
2-BR median rent: $2,752/mo

NY state income tax 4%-10.9% + NYC city tax up to 3.876% for city residents.

Baltimore, MD

Overall RPP (US=100): 102.4
Housing RPP: 120.5
Goods RPP: 100.9
2-BR median rent: $1,943/mo

Maryland income tax 2%-5.75% + county piggyback tax. Baltimore city adds 3.2%.

Equivalent salary

Baltimore, MD is cheaper than New York, NY by about 9.4% (RPP 113 to 102.4).

$60,000 in New York, NY

-> $54,372

in Baltimore, MD

$100,000 in New York, NY

-> $90,619

in Baltimore, MD

$150,000 in New York, NY

-> $135,929

in Baltimore, MD

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Migration signal: New York, NY vs Baltimore, MD

IRS tax-return migration · 2021-2022

New York, NY

Net people: −242,855
Net rank: #65 of 65
Top origin share: 1%
Top destination share: 1%

Largest source: Los Angeles County, CA. Largest destination: Palm Beach County, FL.

Baltimore, MD

Net people: −11,489
Net rank: #51 of 65
Top origin share: 8%
Top destination share: 4%

Largest source: Prince George's County, MD. Largest destination: Prince George's County, MD.

Rent delta: Baltimore, MD is $809/mo lower for HUD FY2024 2-BR FMR than New York, NY. Housing RPP moves from 154.2 to 120.5.

Migration figures are derived from IRS SOI county-to-county migration data for 2021-2022, mapped to metros via Census CBSA delineation. Small county-to-county flows are IRS-suppressed, so per-metro totals are lower bounds. Source: IRS SOI migration data.

Frequently asked questions

Is Baltimore, MD cheaper or more expensive than New York, NY?: Baltimore, MD (RPP 102.4) is cheaper than New York, NY (RPP 113) by about 9.4%.
What salary do I need in Baltimore, MD if I earn $100,000 in New York, NY?: You would need approximately $90,619 in Baltimore, MD to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in New York, NY. Formula: $100,000 x (102.4 / 113).
Which metro had stronger net migration, New York, NY or Baltimore, MD?: For 2021-2022, New York, NY had a net loss of 242,855 people, while Baltimore, MD had a net loss of 11,489 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

Related comparisons

New York, NY profile Baltimore, MD profile Compare other cities