Albany GA vs Baltimore MD — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026

Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)

Albany, GA

Georgia · Population: 67,939

  • Median HH Income$45,201
  • Median Home Price$131,279
  • Unemployment11.5%
  • Bachelor's+21.5%

Baltimore, MD

Maryland · Population: 577,193

  • Median HH Income$59,623
  • Median Home Price$191,668
  • Unemployment6.6%
  • Bachelor's+35.4%

Detailed Comparison

Demographics

Population
Albany
67,939
Baltimore
577,193
Baltimore +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Albany
N/A
Baltimore
N/A
Median Age
Albany
35.1
Albany +
Baltimore
36.1
Foreign Born
Albany
1.7%
Baltimore
8.8%
Baltimore +
White
Albany
18.9%
Baltimore
27.4%
Baltimore +
Black
Albany
76.3%
Albany +
Baltimore
60.0%
Asian
Albany
0.7%
Baltimore
2.5%
Baltimore +
Hispanic
Albany
2.5%
Baltimore
7.9%
Baltimore +
Spanish at Home
Albany
N/A
Baltimore
N/A

Economy

Median HH Income
Albany
$45,201
Baltimore
$59,623
Baltimore +
Per Capita Income
Albany
$24,527
Baltimore
$39,195
Baltimore +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Albany
$57,405
Baltimore
$70,886
Baltimore +
Unemployment Rate
Albany
11.5%
Baltimore
6.6%
Baltimore +
Poverty Rate
Albany
29.2%
Baltimore
20.1%
Baltimore +
Bachelor's Degree+
Albany
21.5%
Baltimore
35.4%
Baltimore +

Housing

Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Albany
$131,279
Albany +
Baltimore
$191,668
Homeownership Rate
Albany
39.3%
Baltimore
47.5%
Baltimore +

Safety

Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Albany
392
Albany +
Baltimore
433
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Albany
1752
Baltimore
1724
Baltimore +

Health

Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Albany
43.0%
Baltimore
38.1%
Baltimore +
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Albany
19.2%
Baltimore
14.4%
Baltimore +
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Albany
20.4%
Baltimore
18.6%
Baltimore +
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Albany
16.8%
Baltimore
10.4%
Baltimore +
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Albany
11.1%
Albany +
Baltimore
16.0%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Albany
19.3%
Baltimore
16.1%
Baltimore +

Climate

Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Albany
66.2°F
Baltimore
55.1°F
Baltimore +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Albany
51.4 in
Baltimore
41.9 in
Baltimore +

Air Quality

PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Albany
9.8 µg/m³
Baltimore
7.6 µg/m³
Baltimore +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Albany
55.0%
Baltimore
75.0%
Baltimore +

Commute

Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Albany
22.0 min
Albany +
Baltimore
31.6 min

Which City is Right for You?

Baltimore leads in median household income at $59,623, while albany offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $131,279. On public safety, Albany is safer with a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, compared to 433 in Baltimore. Baltimore has a lower unemployment rate at 6.6%, and Baltimore has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 7.6 µg/m³). For overall health outcomes, Baltimore scores better with a lower obesity rate of 38.1%.

Compare More Cities

About Albany & Baltimore