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Baltimore, MD Utility & Living Guide
Baltimore, also known as Baltimore City, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland. It is the 30th-most populous U.S. city with a population of 585,708 at the 2020 census and estimated at 569,997 in 2025, while the Baltimore metropolitan area at 2.86 million residents is the 22nd-large
Monthly Utility Costs
$140/mo
$60/mo
$50/mo
$30/mo
$70/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1400/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1800/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2400/mo |
| Median Home Price | $190,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.94% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1200 |
The Baltimore housing market is relatively affordable, with a mix of historic row homes, apartments, and new developments. However, some neighborhoods are experiencing gentrification, leading to increased prices. Renters can find relatively affordable options in certain areas, but prices are rising.
Cost of Living
105
+5% above national average
102
98
100
$1200
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 6% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.94% |
| <p>State 6% + no County tax + no City tax</p> | |
Maryland has a progressive state income tax, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%. Baltimore City also has a local income tax of 3.2%, but it is not applicable to residents.
Family & Relocation
55
6.8/10
$1200/mo
City Pulse
Baltimore's public transit system, including buses and the light rail, is relatively stroller-friendly, with many routes and stations accessible to families with young children.
- National Aquarium
- Baltimore Zoo
- Port Discovery Children's Museum
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Baltimore based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Baltimore has regulations regarding zoning, parking, and noise ordinances, which residents should be aware of.
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
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📊 Baltimore — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Baltimore experiences hot summers, which can lead to increased electricity costs due to air conditioning usage. In contrast, winters are relatively mild, but heating costs can still be significant, especially for homes with older systems or poor insulation.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by location, with an average rate of 0.94% for Baltimore City. There are no local surtaxes specific to Baltimore County, but some ZIP codes may have additional taxes or fees.
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
Score 8/10: Baltimore's sidewalks are generally well-maintained, and many parks and public spaces are accessible to families with strollers. However, some areas may have limited elevator access in transit or other infrastructure challenges that can make navigation more difficult.
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