Is Baltimore, MD cheaper than Newark, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Baltimore, MD is 36.9% cheaper than Newark, NJ. This translates to saving $2768 per month.

What salary do I need in Baltimore, MD to live like I do in Newark, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Newark, NJ, you'd need approximately $116,785.714 in Baltimore, MD to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Newark, NJ and Baltimore, MD?

Housing in Baltimore, MD is 59.2% cheaper than in Newark, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,770/month in Baltimore, MD compared to $1,930/month in Newark, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Newark, NJ to Baltimore, MD?

Moving from Newark, NJ to Baltimore, MD could save you approximately $2768 per month, or $33214 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Newark, NJ vs Baltimore, MD: 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 Newark, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Baltimore, MD

$150.0K in your current city equals $116.8K in Baltimore, MD

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 36.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,768

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.2K

Per year

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

Newark, NJ

Population:312K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$484K

Baltimore, MD

Population:586K

Cost Index:

(37% below avg)

Median Home:$218K

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 312K residents.

Baltimore, MD

The Old Line State

586K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Newark, NJ vs Baltimore, MD

Category	Newark, NJ	Baltimore, MD	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,648/mo	$3,118/mo	↓ $4,530less	59.2%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $326less	16.0%
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,380/mo	↓ $223less	13.9%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$589/mo	↓ $99.13less	14.4%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,089/mo	↓ $75.94less	6.5%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$607/mo	↑ $6.56more	1.1%

Housing

↓ 59.2%

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Baltimore, MD

$3,118

Difference

$4,530

less

Other

↓ 16.0%

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Baltimore, MD

$1,707

Difference

$326

less

Transportation

↓ 13.9%

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Baltimore, MD

$1,380

Difference

$223

less

Healthcare

↓ 14.4%

Newark, NJ

$688

Baltimore, MD

$589

Difference

$99.13

less

Groceries

↓ 6.5%

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Baltimore, MD

$1,089

Difference

$75.94

less

All Utilities

↑ 1.1%

Newark, NJ

$600

Baltimore, MD

$607

Difference

$6.56

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Newark, NJ: Newark Payroll Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

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

Net difference+$3,300/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,400

To$1,270

↓ $130

1 Bed

From$1,600

To$1,450

↓ $150

2 Bed

From$1,930

To$1,770

↓ $160

3 Bed

From$2,430

To$2,280

↓ $150

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/mo

Baltimore, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,790/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.

$13,737

Monthly in Newark, NJ

$8,490

Monthly in Baltimore, MD

$5,247

Difference

Home Values

Newark

Baltimore

$484K

Median Value

$218K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.6%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +20%

$395K - $565K

Price Range

$72K - $469K

Homes in Baltimore are 55% less expensive than Newark

Calculate payment - Newark Calculate payment - Baltimore

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $171

Per year

Monthly Difference

$14.21

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

Newark, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

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

Additional Tax Information

Newark, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Baltimore, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

💡 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.