Is Springfield, MA cheaper than Baltimore, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Springfield, MA is 3.3% more expensive than Baltimore, MD. This translates to spending an extra $250 per month.

What salary do I need in Springfield, MA to live like I do in Baltimore, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Baltimore, MD, you'd need approximately $152,996.663 in Springfield, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baltimore, MD and Springfield, MA?

Housing in Springfield, MA is 11.9% more expensive than in Baltimore, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,150/month in Springfield, MA compared to $1,770/month in Baltimore, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Baltimore, MD to Springfield, MA?

Living in Springfield, MA costs approximately $250 more per month than Baltimore, MD, or $2997 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baltimore, MD vs Springfield, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Baltimore, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $250/month more in Springfield, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.0K in Springfield, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$250

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.0K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$218K

Springfield, MA

Population:154K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$294K

Baltimore, MD

The Old Line State

586K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Springfield, MA

The Bay State

154K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 154K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baltimore, MD vs Springfield, MA

Category	Baltimore, MD	Springfield, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,118/mo	$3,490/mo	↑ $372more	11.9%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,341/mo	↓ $366less	21.4%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$925/mo	↓ $164less	15.0%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$637/mo	↑ $48.86more	8.3%
Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,346/mo	↓ $34.11less	2.5%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$614/mo	↑ $7.19more	1.2%

Housing

↑ 11.9%

Baltimore, MD

$3,118

Springfield, MA

$3,490

Difference

$372

Other

↓ 21.4%

Baltimore, MD

$1,707

Springfield, MA

$1,341

Difference

$366

less

Groceries

↓ 15.0%

Baltimore, MD

$1,089

Springfield, MA

$925

Difference

$164

less

Healthcare

↑ 8.3%

Baltimore, MD

$589

Springfield, MA

$637

Difference

$48.86

Transportation

↓ 2.5%

Baltimore, MD

$1,380

Springfield, MA

$1,346

Difference

$34.11

less

All Utilities

↑ 1.2%

Baltimore, MD

$607

Springfield, MA

$614

Difference

$7.19

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Springfield, MA 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$809

↓ $461

1 Bed

From$1,450

To$915

↓ $535

2 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,150

↓ $620

3 Bed

From$2,280

To$1,409

↓ $871

Baltimore, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,790/mo

Springfield, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,630/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

$8,353

Monthly in Springfield, MA

$136

Difference

Home Values

Baltimore

Springfield

$218K

Median Value

$294K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↑ +2.5%

↑ +20%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.5%

$72K - $469K

Price Range

$137K - $323K

Homes in Springfield are 35% more expensive than Baltimore

Calculate payment - Baltimore Calculate payment - Springfield

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $240

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$20.00

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

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

Springfield, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Baltimore, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Springfield, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.