Is Denver, CO cheaper than Baltimore, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 3.8% more expensive than Baltimore, MD. This translates to spending an extra $283 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Baltimore, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Baltimore, MD, you'd need approximately $153,396.226 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baltimore, MD and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 4.2% more expensive than in Baltimore, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,770/month in Baltimore, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Baltimore, MD to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $283 more per month than Baltimore, MD, or $3396 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baltimore, MD vs Denver, CO: 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 spend $283/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.4K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$283

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.4K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$513K

Baltimore, MD

The Old Line State

586K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baltimore, MD vs Denver, CO

Category	Baltimore, MD	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,118/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $130more	4.2%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$519/mo	↓ $87.43less	14.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $81.96more	5.9%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.5%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$632/mo	↑ $43.37more	7.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 4.2%

Baltimore, MD

$3,118

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$130

⚡All Utilities

↓ 14.4%

Baltimore, MD

$607

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$87.43

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.9%

Baltimore, MD

$1,380

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$81.96

📦Other

↑ 3.9%

Baltimore, MD

$1,707

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$66.96

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.5%

Baltimore, MD

$1,089

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$59.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Baltimore, MD

$589

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$43.37

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Net difference-$4,731/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,270

To$1,720

↑ $450

1 Bed

From$1,450

To$1,840

↑ $390

2 Bed

From$1,770

To$2,190

↑ $420

3 Bed

From$2,280

To$2,870

↑ $590

Baltimore, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,790/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$175

Difference

Home Values

Baltimore

Denver

$218K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +20%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$72K - $469K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 135% more expensive than Baltimore

Calculate payment - Baltimore Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $660

Per year

Monthly Difference

$55.00

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Baltimore, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.