Baltimore vs Dallas
Compare Baltimore, MD and Dallas, TX on cost, HUD rent, safety, climate, commute, schools, outdoor access, food, and source-labeled relocation data.
The verdict
Housing costs are close: ACS median rent is $1,489/mo in Baltimore and $1,409/mo in Dallas, with HUD 2-bedroom benchmarks of $1,943/mo and $1,758/mo. State income tax also separates them — Dallas's rate is roughly 0% versus 6.5%. Across the four public-data screens Dallas comes out ahead (268 vs 248 summed points), though Baltimore still wins specific categories below.
Climate is a real differentiator: Baltimore runs summer highs near 88°F and winter lows near 25°F, while Dallas runs 96°F and 33°F. Long-term hazard exposure also separates them: Baltimore screens more resilient on the FEMA National Risk Index composite (98 vs 48/100, higher = lower expected annual loss per resident). If lower housing cost leads your list, start with Dallas; if walkable daily life matters more, Baltimore screens stronger on the walkability proxy (31 vs 21). These are metro-level public-data screens — verify neighborhoods, school districts, commutes, and actual listings before deciding.
Category summary
Both cities are close on the cost and climate screen.
Dallas leads 80 to 67 on the work screen.
Dallas leads 52 to 47 on the daily life screen.
Both cities are close on the community screen.
$85,000 in Baltimore is roughly $102,668 in Dallas using WhereToThrive's cost index and state-tax adjustment.
Category comparison
| Metric | Baltimore | Dallas | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACS median gross rent | $1,489/mo | $1,409/mo | Dallas |
| HUD 2BR FMR | $1,943/mo | $1,758/mo | Dallas |
| Median home value | $358,000 | $299,000 | Dallas |
| State income tax | 6.5% | None | Dallas |
| Average commute | 32.9 min | 30.4 min | Dallas |
| Safety score | 63/100 | 48/100 | Baltimore |
| School score | 7/10 | 8/10 | Dallas |
| Walkability estimate | 31/100 | 21/100 | Baltimore |
| Outdoor score | 7/10 | 6/10 | Baltimore |
| Restaurants per 100k | 177.7 | 198.6 | Dallas |
| Mountain distance | 38 mi | 134 mi | Baltimore |
| Coast distance | 3 mi | 234 mi | Baltimore |
| Climate-risk composite (FEMA NRI) | 98/100 | 48/100 | Baltimore |
| Coastal flooding risk percentile (NRI) | 80th | 0th | Dallas |
| Tornado risk percentile (NRI) | 35th | 97th | Baltimore |
| Wildfire risk percentile (NRI) | 8th | 63th | Baltimore |
What stands out
Baltimore stronger signals
- Public park/protected-area signal within 1 miles
- Ski location within 52 miles
- Named beach within 13 miles
- Coast access within 3 miles
Baltimore tradeoffs
- No major generic tradeoffs identified
Dallas stronger signals
- No state income tax
- Major airport access
- Strong food and nightlife amenities score
- Public park/protected-area signal within 1 miles
Dallas tradeoffs
- Very hot summers
Common questions
Is Baltimore cheaper than Dallas?
On public benchmarks Dallas is the cheaper metro: ACS median rent is $1,489/mo in Baltimore vs $1,409/mo in Dallas; HUD 2-bedroom Fair Market Rents are $1,943/mo vs $1,758/mo; state income tax is 6.5% vs 0%.
Is Baltimore or Dallas safer?
Baltimore screens safer at the metro level: safety scores are 63/100 for Baltimore and 48/100 for Dallas (FBI-reported metro rates; neighborhood variation is larger than metro averages).
Which is better for families, Baltimore or Dallas?
School screens show 7/10 for Baltimore vs 8/10 for Dallas, alongside the safety scores above. It is a metro-level screen; verify specific school districts before weighting it heavily.
How different is the climate between Baltimore and Dallas?
Baltimore: summer highs near 88°F, winter lows near 25°F, disaster-risk band 1/3. Dallas: 96°F / 33°F, disaster-risk band 2/3 (NOAA climate normals).
Keep researching
Score this comparison with your own constraints
Public comparison pages use equal-weighted signals. The questionnaire reweights cities around your housing budget, climate preferences, work needs, family needs, and daily-life priorities.
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