Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-03-23

Baltimore, Maryland

In Baltimore, Maryland, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.88 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.42 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,558.89, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 3.14% 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)

$3.88

National: $3.45

153.1%vs. 2022

Avg Rent (All)

$1,558.89

National: $1,900

88.4%vs. 2022

Grocery Inflation

3.14%

Year-over-year

Fast Food Avg

$14.74

Combo meal

4.7%YoY

Grocery Prices

Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present

Item20222023202420252026Change
Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility$1.80$2.15$2.70$4.00$2.22+23.3%
Milk (gallon)$3.47$3.68$3.61$3.76$3.84+10.7%
Ground Beef (lb)$3.91$4.90$5.04$5.29$5.34+36.6%
Bread (loaf)$2.32$3.16$3.45$3.58$3.69+59.1%
Chicken Breast (lb)$3.89$4.08$4.20$4.33$4.29+10.3%
Butter (lb)$4.29$4.85$5.09$5.24$5.40+25.9%
Bacon (lb)$6.71$7.39$7.68$7.91$8.15+21.5%
Cheddar Cheese (lb)$5.93$6.52$6.71$6.84$6.91+16.5%
Pasta (lb)$1.56$1.88$2.01$2.07$2.11+35.3%
Rice (5 lb)$4.38$5.14$5.45$5.61$5.61+28.1%
Coffee (12 oz)$8.77$10.42$11.14$11.93$12.41+41.5%
Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage$3.80$4.48$5.03$5.33$5.60+47.4%
Potatoes (5 lb)$4.05$4.25$4.38$4.60$4.79+18.3%
Apples (3 lb)$4.60$4.83$4.97$5.07$5.17+12.4%
Tomatoes (lb)$2.32$2.62$2.75$2.92$3.01+29.7%
Lettuce (head)$1.80$2.02$2.23$2.32$2.44+35.6%
Cooking Oil (48 oz)$5.85$7.24$7.82$8.30$8.30+41.9%
Yogurt (32 oz)$4.29$4.73$5.02$5.27$5.48+27.7%
Cereal (family size)$4.90$5.63$6.02$6.39$6.65+35.7%
Frozen Pizza$6.59$7.83$8.54$8.87$9.04+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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