Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Rochester is 11% more affordable than Baltimore. A $75,000 salary in Baltimore is equivalent to $66,509 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Maryland salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Baltimore has a housing index of 107 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Baltimore costs $200,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $45,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Baltimore versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Baltimore scores 103 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Baltimore (101) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Baltimore is $52,164 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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