Quick answer
Overall prices in the Baltimore, MD metro were 104.5 vs 95.5 in Columbus, OH in 2024 (US = 100), so Baltimore is 9.4% more expensive than Columbus; housing rents differ by 34% (118.2 vs 87.9). A $75,000 income in Baltimore buys about what $68,527 buys in Columbus, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Baltimore | Columbus | Baltimore vs Columbus |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 104.5 | 95.5 | +9.4% |
| Goods | 102.4 | 93.6 | +9.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 118.2 | 87.9 | +34.4% |
| Utilities | 110.2 | 95.5 | +15.4% |
| Other services | 101.5 | 98.9 | +2.6% |
| All items, 2008 | 106.4 | 96.6 | +10.1% |
| $50,000 in Baltimore equals in Columbus | $45,685 | ||
| $100,000 in Baltimore equals in Columbus | $91,369 | ||
| $150,000 in Baltimore equals in Columbus | $137,054 |
Related
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Baltimore, MD (2024)
- Cost of living: Baltimore, MD vs Cincinnati, OH (2024)
- Cost of living: Baltimore, MD vs Cleveland, OH (2024)
- Cost of living: Dallas, TX vs Baltimore, MD (2024)
- Cost of living: Denver, CO vs Baltimore, MD (2024)
- Cost of living: Detroit, MI vs Baltimore, MD (2024)
- Cost of living: Baltimore, MD vs Hartford, CT (2024)
- Cost of living: Houston, TX vs Baltimore, MD (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.