Atlanta, GA vs Baltimore, MD: Cost of Living Comparison
Updated November 2026
Baltimore is the cheaper place to live: overall prices in Atlanta are 1.1% higher, and housing prices differ the most (114.3 in Atlanta vs 92.0 in Baltimore). A single adult's modelled budget is $3,203 a month in Atlanta and $2,690 in Baltimore.
Side-by-side figures
| Measure | Atlanta, GA | Baltimore, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Local cost index (CostLiving estimate) | 101.2 | 100.1 |
| BEA index for the area | 100.1 | 104.5 |
| Housing (rents) | 114.3 | 92.0 |
| Goods | 100.4 | 102.4 |
| Utilities | 96.2 | 110.2 |
| Other services | 96.7 | 101.5 |
| Monthly budget, single adult | $3,203 | $2,690 |
| Monthly budget, couple | $4,805 | $4,460 |
| Monthly budget, family of 4 | $5,438 | $5,404 |
| Median gross rent | $1,711 | $1,331 |
| 1-bedroom rent | $1,665 | $1,103 |
| 2-bedroom rent | $1,826 | $1,406 |
| 3-bedroom rent | $1,680 | $1,577 |
| Median home value | $439,600 | $229,600 |
| Median household income | $85,652 | $62,177 |
| Rent as % of renter income | 30.9% | 32.0% |
| Home value ÷ income | 5.1× | 3.7× |
| Electricity (state, ¢/kWh) | 15.90 | 21.40 |
| Regular gasoline ($/gal) | $3.69 † | $4.23 † |
| Population | 505,268 | 573,243 |
* fallback value (see notes) · † regional gasoline figure. Local index: CostLiving estimate from BEA RPP 2024 and ACS rents; housing and income: Census ACS 2020-2024; electricity: EIA August 2026; gasoline: EIA week of 2026-11-02.
Prices by category
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta price index by category, US average = 100: All items 101.2, Housing (rents) 114.3, Goods 100.4, Utilities 96.2, Other services 96.7
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore price index by category, US average = 100: All items 100.1, Housing (rents) 92.0, Goods 102.4, Utilities 110.2, Other services 101.5
Monthly budget, family of 4
| Category | Atlanta | Baltimore | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $1,544 | $1,327 | −$217 |
| Utilities | $511 | $603 | +$92 |
| Food at home | $746 | $760 | +$14 |
| Transportation | $1,627 | $1,664 | +$37 |
| Health care | $587 | $616 | +$29 |
| Clothing, personal care & supplies | $423 | $434 | +$11 |
| Total | $5,438 | $5,404 | −$34 |
Modelled estimate, excluding taxes and child care. How it is calculated.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Baltimore more expensive than Atlanta?
No. Overall prices in Baltimore, MD (index 100.1) are 1.1% lower than in Atlanta, GA (index 101.2), based on our local cost index (BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 adjusted for local rents). The biggest gap is in housing (rents): 92.0 vs 114.3.
What salary do I need in Baltimore to match $60,000 in Atlanta?
About $59,300. Going the other way, $60,000 in Baltimore buys about as much as $60,700 in Atlanta. Taxes are not included.
Is rent cheaper in Atlanta or Baltimore?
Median gross rent is $1,711 in Atlanta and $1,331 in Baltimore (−22.2% in Baltimore; Census ACS 2020-2024). Median home values are $439,600 and $229,600.
Notes
- Atlanta: gasoline price - PADD region (EIA publishes weekly prices for only 9 states).
- Baltimore: gasoline price - PADD region (EIA publishes weekly prices for only 9 states).
Not financial advice. Methodology · Sources