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City Comparison · 2026

Baltimore vs New York City

Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared

Purchasing Power

$100k in Baltimore = $176k in New York City

Metric
Baltimore
New York City
COL Index
1.21
2.13
1BR Monthly Rent
$1,650/mo
$3,500/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$2,100/mo
$4,500/mo
State Income Tax
MD
NY
$100k Take-Home
$74,038
$73,522
$100k Effective Rate
25.96%
26.48%
$100k Savings Potential
$54,238
$31,522

After-Tax Income by Salary

Gross SalaryBaltimore
MD
New York City
NY
$60,000$47,450
$3,954/mo · 20.92% eff.
$47,420
$3,952/mo · 20.97% eff.
$100,000$74,038
$6,170/mo · 25.96% eff.
$73,522
$6,127/mo · 26.48% eff.
$150,000$106,018
$8,835/mo · 29.32% eff.
$104,939
$8,745/mo · 30.04% eff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baltimore or New York City cheaper to live in?

Baltimore has a cost-of-living index of 1.21 while New York City is 2.13 (1.00 = US average). Baltimore is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Baltimore is $1,650/month vs $3,500/month in New York City.

How much more do you need to earn in New York City vs Baltimore?

$100k in Baltimore = $176k in New York City. Cost of living in New York City is higher by 76%.

Which city has better after-tax income — Baltimore or New York City?

On a $100,000 salary, you take home $74,038 in MD (Baltimore) and $73,522 in NY (New York City). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $54,238 in Baltimore vs $31,522 in New York City.