Chicago, IL vs Baltimore, MD
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
Chicago is the more expensive housing market by roughly 30%; Chicago earns more at the median (21% higher), partly offsetting the cost difference. Whether that math works depends on what fraction of housing cost a relocating household plans to absorb.
Median Home Value
$315,200
$219,300 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$187,545
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo
$1,290/mo ✓
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
47.5%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
14.2x
Median Household Income
$75,134 ✓
$59,623
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$39,195
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
6.5% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
20.1%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
31.9 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
56.8%
Public Transit %
19.3%
11.5%
Work From Home %
18.3%
15.9%
State Income Tax
5.0%
5.8%
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
6.0% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
1.1%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
18.1%
Median Age
35.7
36.1
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
67.2°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
43.7"
Chicago, IL 1 wins
- ✓Median Household Income
Baltimore, MD 4 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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