Is Austin, TX cheaper than Baltimore, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 2.8% cheaper than Baltimore, MD. This translates to saving $212 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Baltimore, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Baltimore, MD, you'd need approximately $147,452.83 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baltimore, MD and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 7.5% cheaper than in Baltimore, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,770/month in Baltimore, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Baltimore, MD to Austin, TX?

Moving from Baltimore, MD to Austin, TX could save you approximately $212 per month, or $2547 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baltimore, MD vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Baltimore, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $212/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.5K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$212

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Baltimore, MD

Population:586K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$218K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$558K

Baltimore, MD

The Old Line State

586K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 586K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baltimore, MD vs Austin, TX

Category	Baltimore, MD	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,118/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $234less	7.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$959/mo	↓ $130less	11.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $95.62less	6.9%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$541/mo	↓ $65.57less	10.8%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $33.48more	2.0%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$589/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 7.5%

Baltimore, MD

$3,118

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$234

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.9%

Baltimore, MD

$1,089

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$130

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.9%

Baltimore, MD

$1,380

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$95.62

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 10.8%

Baltimore, MD

$607

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$65.57

less

📦Other

↑ 2.0%

Baltimore, MD

$1,707

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$33.48

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Baltimore, MD

$589

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Baltimore, MD: Baltimore City Income Tax$4,800/yr (3.2%)

Austin, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,270

To$1,585

↑ $315

1 Bed

From$1,450

To$1,685

↑ $235

2 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,995

↑ $225

3 Bed

From$2,280

To$2,525

↑ $245

Baltimore, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,790/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,490

Monthly in Baltimore, MD

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$491

Difference

Home Values

Baltimore

Austin

$218K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +20%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$72K - $469K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 156% more expensive than Baltimore

Calculate payment - Baltimore Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$605

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.8%

Rate difference

Baltimore, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Baltimore, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.