Baltimore MD vs Reno NV — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Baltimore, MD
Maryland · Population: 577,193
- Median HH Income$59,623
- Median Home Price$191,668
- Unemployment6.6%
- Bachelor's+35.4%
Reno, NV
Nevada · Population: 268,959
- Median HH Income$78,448
- Median Home Price$570,934
- Unemployment5.0%
- Bachelor's+35.7%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Baltimore
577,193
Baltimore +
Reno
268,959
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Baltimore
N/A
Reno
N/A
Median Age
Baltimore
36.1
Baltimore +
Reno
37.3
Foreign Born
Baltimore
8.8%
Reno
16.1%
Reno +
White
Baltimore
27.4%
Reno
63.5%
Reno +
Black
Baltimore
60.0%
Baltimore +
Reno
3.2%
Asian
Baltimore
2.5%
Reno
7.0%
Reno +
Hispanic
Baltimore
7.9%
Reno
24.6%
Reno +
Spanish at Home
Baltimore
N/A
Reno
N/A
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 268,959 | Baltimore + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 36.1 | 37.3 | Baltimore + |
| Foreign Born | 8.8% | 16.1% | Reno + |
| White | 27.4% | 63.5% | Reno + |
| Black | 60.0% | 3.2% | Baltimore + |
| Asian | 2.5% | 7.0% | Reno + |
| Hispanic | 7.9% | 24.6% | Reno + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Baltimore
$59,623
Reno
$78,448
Reno +
Per Capita Income
Baltimore
$39,195
Reno
$45,180
Reno +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Baltimore
$70,886
Baltimore +
Reno
$62,696
Unemployment Rate
Baltimore
6.6%
Reno
5.0%
Reno +
Poverty Rate
Baltimore
20.1%
Reno
12.5%
Reno +
Bachelor's Degree+
Baltimore
35.4%
Reno
35.7%
Reno +
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $59,623 | $78,448 | Reno + |
| Per Capita Income | $39,195 | $45,180 | Reno + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $70,886 | $62,696 | Baltimore + |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.6% | 5.0% | Reno + |
| Poverty Rate | 20.1% | 12.5% | Reno + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 35.4% | 35.7% | Reno + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Baltimore
$191,668
Baltimore +
Reno
$570,934
Homeownership Rate
Baltimore
47.5%
Reno
49.4%
Reno +
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $191,668 | $570,934 | Baltimore + |
| Homeownership Rate | 47.5% | 49.4% | Reno + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Baltimore
433
Baltimore +
Reno
460
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Baltimore
1724
Baltimore +
Reno
2417
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 433 | 460 | Baltimore + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1724 | 2417 | Baltimore + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Baltimore
38.1%
Reno
28.4%
Reno +
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Baltimore
14.4%
Reno
9.5%
Reno +
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Baltimore
18.6%
Reno
18.5%
Reno +
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Baltimore
10.4%
Baltimore +
Reno
13.0%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Baltimore
16.0%
Baltimore +
Reno
18.9%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Baltimore
16.1%
Reno
12.8%
Reno +
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | 38.1% | 28.4% | Reno + |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | 14.4% | 9.5% | Reno + |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | 18.6% | 18.5% | Reno + |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | 10.4% | 13.0% | Baltimore + |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | 16.0% | 18.9% | Baltimore + |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | 16.1% | 12.8% | Reno + |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Baltimore
55.1°F
Reno
53.0°F
Reno +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Baltimore
41.9 in
Reno
8.3 in
Reno +
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 55.1°F | 53.0°F | Reno + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 41.9 in | 8.3 in | Reno + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Baltimore
7.6 µg/m³
Reno
5.2 µg/m³
Reno +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Baltimore
75.0%
Reno
75.0%
Tie
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 7.6 µg/m³ | 5.2 µg/m³ | Reno + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 75.0% | 75.0% | Tie |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Baltimore
31.6 min
Reno
22.3 min
Reno +
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 31.6 min | 22.3 min | Reno + |
Which City is Right for You?
Reno leads in median household income at $78,448, while baltimore offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $191,668. On public safety, Baltimore is safer with a violent crime rate of 433 per 100,000 residents, compared to 460 in Reno. Reno has a lower unemployment rate at 5.0%, and Reno has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 5.2 µg/m³). For overall health outcomes, Reno scores better with a lower obesity rate of 28.4%.
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