BaltimoreMoney Index August 2026
"Underdog returns."
Baltimore — Money Index — Key Facts
- Ranked #45 of 50. Baltimore ranks #45 of 50 on the PickYourBank US City Money Index — a blend of savings rate, income, affordability, happiness and work-life balance.
- Happiness Score: 60/100. Residents rate life in Baltimore a 60/100 — roughly the US average.
- Financial Stress: 60/100. Money stress in Baltimore sits at 60/100 — close to the national norm.
- 10% Savings Rate. Baltimore households save about 10% of income — close to the US average.
- 30-Minute Commute. Baltimore's one-way commute averages 30 minutes — 3 minutes longer than the US average. That's ~230 hours a year stuck commuting.
- Cost of Living: 105. Baltimore's cost of living sits at 105 — basically the US baseline (100 = US average).
- Work-Life Balance: 55/100. Baltimore scores 55/100 on work-life balance — average for a major US city.
- 12% of Land Is Parks. Roughly 12% of Baltimore's land is parkland — about the big-city median.
- 48% Own Their Home. Only 48% of Baltimore households own — well below the US average of ~65%. Most residents are still renting.
- Median Household: $55k. Baltimore households earn about $55k — roughly 27% below the US average.
Baltimore is one of the most affordable cities on the East Coast — with surprisingly strong income for its cost.
With a median household income of ~$55k, a 10% savings rate, and a cost-of-living index of 105, Baltimore ranks #45 of 50 US cities in our overall money index.
Green space & commute
Two underrated money levers: how long you spend getting to work, and how much nature you can reach without paying for it.
About 12% of Baltimore's land is parkland — roughly in line with the typical big US city.
- • Source: Trust for Public Land ParkScore
- • Parks lower stress and lift nearby property values
- • Free recreation = zero-cost lifestyle upgrade
Baltimore's commute (~30 min one-way) is well above the US average of ~27 minutes. Long commutes quietly tax income, health and savings.
- • Source: US Census ACS mean one-way travel time
- • Owning a car runs ~$10k/year on average in the US
- • 10 fewer commute minutes/day ≈ 80 hours back per year
Typical Baltimore household budget
Modeled split of $100 of after-tax income, scaled to Baltimore's cost of living and savings rate.
How Baltimore feels about money
Four Baltimore money truths
Baltimore's savings rate runs 10% — automate even one extra percentage point and you compound serious money over a decade.
Baltimore runs above the US average, so price discipline matters more here than in most metros.
Owning unlocks fixed housing costs and equity. Renters here can still build wealth — just channel the difference into index funds and a high-yield savings account.
Maryland residents in Baltimore report a 60/100 happiness score with stress at 60/100 — money habits and lifestyle here track that mix closely.
"Baltimore's homeownership rate is higher than the much wealthier nearby DC's."
Money lessons from Baltimore
- 1
Affordable East Coast = opportunity
- 2
Buy where the math is forgiving
- 3
Don't borrow against your future
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Baltimore money FAQ
Is Baltimore, Maryland a good city for saving money?+
Baltimore households save about 10% of income, with a happiness score of 60/100 and a work-life balance score of 55/100. Baltimore is one of the most affordable cities on the East Coast — with surprisingly strong income for its cost.
What is the median household income in Baltimore?+
The median household income in Baltimore, Maryland is roughly $55,000 per year. About 44% of households have a 3-month emergency fund.
How affordable is Baltimore?+
Baltimore's cost of living index sits at 105 (100 = US average). Homeownership stands at 48%.
How long is the average commute in Baltimore?+
Baltimore's commute (~30 min one-way) is well above the US average of ~27 minutes. Long commutes quietly tax income, health and savings.
How much urban green space does Baltimore have?+
About 12% of Baltimore's land is parkland — roughly in line with the typical big US city.
What money personality fits Baltimore?+
The Survivor — Resilient — turns tough environments into hard-won wealth.
What's surprising about money in Baltimore?+
Baltimore's homeownership rate is higher than the much wealthier nearby DC's.
