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Baltimore vs Raleigh

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Raleigh is 2% cheaper than Baltimore overall.Baltimore has a cost of living index of 107 vs Raleigh at 105 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is utilities Baltimore costs 12% more.

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Baltimore
MD
107
COLI index
VS
Raleigh
NC
105
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryBaltimoreRaleighDifference
Overall COLI107105-2%
Housing138132-4%
Groceries105104-1%
Transport107107Same
Healthcare104102-2%
Utilities115101-12%

Median 1BR Rent

Baltimore
$1,550/mo
Raleigh
$1,600/mo

Median Home Price

Baltimore
$195,000
Raleigh
$390,000

Median Household Income

Baltimore
$55,198
Raleigh
$72,428

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Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh is cheaper to live in overall. Baltimore has a cost of living index of 107 while Raleigh has an index of 105, where 100 represents the US national average. Raleigh is 2% cheaper than Baltimore overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore is $1,550 per month compared to $1,600 in Raleigh. The median home price in Baltimore is $195,000 versus $390,000 in Raleigh. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Baltimore has a cost of living index of 107 and Raleigh has an index of 105, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Baltimore, multiply by 0.98. For example a $75,000 salary in Baltimore is equivalent to approximately $73,598 in Raleigh.

Baltimore has a median household income of $55,198 per year versus $72,428 in Raleigh. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Baltimore to Raleigh is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Raleigh is 2% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in utilities. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.