Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-04-01

Baltimore, Maryland

In Baltimore, Maryland, a gallon of regular gas costs $4.05 as of 2026-04-01 — $0.02 below the national average of $4.06. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,857, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 5.27% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Baltimore's cost-of-living index of 108 puts it above the national average of 100.

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$4.05

National: $4.06

205.3%since 2000
AAA Gas Prices

Avg Rent (All)

$1,857

National: $1,900

26.2%since 2000
Zillow ZORI Metro (2026-02)

Grocery Inflation

5.27%

Year-over-year

BLS/FRED CPI

Fast Food Avg

$14.74

Combo meal

4.7%YoY

Electricity

20.61¢

per kWh · ~$185/mo

18.6%vs US avg
EIA Residential

Car Insurance

$207/mo

$2,480/yr

15.3%vs national avg
Bankrate/NAIC

Median Household Income

$59,623

49.5% goes to essentials

49.5%cost burden
Census ACS 2023
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Car Insurance

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Find Apartments

Avg rent $1,857/mo in Baltimore. Browse listings:

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Grocery Prices

Grocery Prices — 2000 to Present

National BLS averages · submit local prices below ↓

Eggs (dozen)

Bird flu volatility

$2.58 BLS avg

+156.4%

Milk (gallon)

$4.10 BLS avg

+44.6%

Ground Beef (lb)

$6.75 BLS avg

+354.4%

Bread (loaf)

$1.84 BLS avg

+104.0%

Chicken Breast (lb)

$2.04 BLS avg

+93.5%

Butter (lb)

$5.40 BLS avg

+25.9%

Bacon (lb)

$8.15 BLS avg

+21.5%

Cheddar Cheese (lb)

$6.91 BLS avg

+16.5%

Pasta (lb)

$2.11 BLS avg

+35.3%

Rice (5 lb)

$5.61 BLS avg

+28.1%

Coffee (12 oz)

$12.41 BLS avg

+41.5%

Orange Juice (64 oz)

Citrus shortage

$5.60 BLS avg

+47.4%

Potatoes (5 lb)

$4.79 BLS avg

+18.3%

Apples (3 lb)

$5.17 BLS avg

+12.4%

Tomatoes (lb)

$3.01 BLS avg

+29.7%

Lettuce (head)

$2.44 BLS avg

+35.6%

Cooking Oil (48 oz)

$8.30 BLS avg

+41.9%

Yogurt (32 oz)

$5.48 BLS avg

+27.7%

Cereal (family size)

$6.65 BLS avg

+35.7%

Frozen Pizza

$9.04 BLS avg

+37.2%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$14.74

Casual Dining

$28.08

Monthly Spend

$415.7

+4.73% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $9.14

$14.74

+61.3%

Wendy's

2022: $10.32

$15.92

+54.3%

Chipotle

2022: $11.05

$16.51

+49.4%

Starbucks

2022: $4.97

$6.90

+38.8%

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Looking for an Apartment in Baltimore?

Average 1BR: $1,523/mo · 2BR: $2,191/mo

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Local Workforce

2024 · BLS QCEW

Total Jobs

348k

Median Weekly Pay

$1,593

$83k/yr

Top Sector

Education & Health Services

Household vs Worker Pay

$60k

household median

Employment by Sector — Baltimore

% of local workforce · avg weekly wage · 5-year growth trend

Education & Health Services
-0.5% 5yr$1,598/wk
29.8%

~$83k/yr

Professional & Business Services
+0.0% 5yr$1,743/wk
14.4%

~$91k/yr

Trade, Transportation & Utilities
+7.6% 5yr$1,215/wk
12.1%

~$63k/yr

Leisure & Hospitality
-10.8% 5yr$758/wk
7.6%

~$39k/yr

Financial Activities
-7.2% 5yr$3,330/wk
4.2%

~$173k/yr

Source: BLS QCEW 2024 Annual · County FIPS 24510

Highest Paying Sector

Financial Activities

$3,330/wk · $173k/yr

Most Workers (lowest wage)

Leisure & Hospitality

$758/wk · $39k/yr

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