Baltimore vs Tampa

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Baltimore feels like approximately $72,365 in Tampa.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Baltimore feels like $72,365 in Tampa. Moving would increase your purchasing power by 3%.

Income
Housing

Baltimore

Tampa

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
moderate
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,511/mo
 
$1,696/mo
State Tax
MD tax applies
 
No income tax
Take-Home /mo
$4,423
 
$4,803
Remote Work Fit
Baltimore draws remote workers seeking East Coast access at lower cost than DC, Philadelphia, or Boston. The MARC train to DC also makes it viable for hybrid DC-based workers.
 
Tampa is a strong remote work market with no state income tax, improving cultural amenities, and Gulf Coast access.
Walk Score
64
 
50
Comfortable
$60-80k · Baltimore vs Tampa
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,423/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Baltimore, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

No city is objectively better. Baltimore and Tampa each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

Related comparisons

Baltimore vs Washington, DCBaltimore vs PhiladelphiaBaltimore vs Pittsburgh
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FAQ

Baltimore vs Tampa — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Baltimore or Tampa?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,511/mo in Baltimore and $1,696/mo in Tampa. Baltimore has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in Tampa to match Baltimore?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Baltimore feels like approximately $72,365 in Tampa — a gain of about 3% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Baltimore and Tampa?

Baltimore is in MD (MD levies income tax) and Tampa is in FL (no state income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.