As vastly different cities with varying offering in terms of lifestyle, economics, cost of living, and cultural opportunities, Brooklyn, New York, and Baltimore, Maryland, appeal to different demographic groups. Brooklyn is known for its vibrant urban life, multicultural neighborhoods, wealth of opportunities, and higher cost of living. Baltimore, on the other hand, boasts a rich historical heritage, a lower cost of living, plus numerous outdoor attractions.
When comparing the safety of residents and visitors in Brooklyn and Baltimore, the former has a considerably safer reputation. Although parts of Brooklyn can be dangerous, it's generally a bit safer than Baltimore if you base this on crime rates. Baltimore has consistently been rated as one of the highest crime cities in America. However, just like Brooklyn, there are also safer neighborhoods in Baltimore, it's about knowing where to stay and where to avoid.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Brooklyn is considerably higher than in Baltimore. This is true whether you are looking at housing prices, grocery costs, utility payments, or the price of entertainment. Baltimore, in comparison, is considerably cheaper and can provide a more affordable lifestyle for its residents while still offering a wide array of amenities and activities.
Income Tax
In Brooklyn, the New York State imposes an income tax that ranges from 4% to 8.82%, in addition to a city tax ranging from 3.078% to 3.876%. Baltimore residents pay a state income tax that varies from 2% to 5.75%, as well as a city tax of a flat rate of 3.05%.
Property Tax
The property tax rate in Brooklyn is relatively low at just 0.88%, but given the high real estate prices, the total amount can be substantial. In Baltimore, the property tax rate is higher, around 2.25%, which is above the national average but lower property values help keep total payments closer to national norms.
Sales Tax
The New York City sales tax rate is 8.875% (4.5% city tax and 4% state tax), which applies to Brooklyn. Baltimore's tax rate, on the other hand, stands at 6%, levied by the state of Maryland since Baltimore doesn't have a separate city sales tax.
Income
Type
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Estimated median household income
$67,567
$54,652
Estimated per capita income
$39,536
$35,091
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
185.4
105.7
If you make $50,000 in Baltimore, you will have to make $87,701 in Brooklyn to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Brooklyn is located on the westernmost point of Long Island and is surrounded by water on three sides, offering many waterfront properties and views. Baltimore is a seaport city, located closer to the mid-Atlantic, with access to a large estuary, the Chesapeake Bay, and many historical waterfront areas.
Geographical information
Type
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Land area
70.6 sq. miles
80.8 sq. miles
Population density
35,956 people per sq. mile
7,134.5 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Brooklyn, NY Baltimore, MD
Education
Brooklyn and Baltimore both have quality educational institutions. Brooklyn is part of the vast New York City Public Schools, the largest public school system in the United States. It's also home to several prestigious universities like the Pratt Institute and Brooklyn College. Baltimore also boasts high-quality education institutions, with some of the top-performing public schools in the state of Maryland. Higher education institutions include the renowned Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland.
When it comes to jobs and economy, Brooklyn can offer more opportunities, especially in business, tech, arts, and entertainment industries, due to its proximity to Manhattan and the presence of various multinational corporations. Baltimore's economy is more focused on sectors like health care, sciences, technology, and trades. Both cities offer ample opportunities for employment, but with significantly different industry focuses.
Biggest Employers
In Brooklyn, some of the largest employers include JPMorgan Chase & Co., New York University, and the city's various health care institutions, such as Maimonides Medical Center. While in Baltimore, the biggest employers are Johns Hopkins University & Health System, the Federal Government, and the University of Maryland.
In Brooklyn (Kings County), 82.1% voted for Democrats and 16.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Baltimore (Baltimore city), 87.4% voted for Democrats and 11.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Brooklyn
Baltimore
2020
76.9%
87.5%
22.2%
10.7%
1.0%
1.8%
2016
79.6%
84.8%
17.5%
10.5%
2.9%
4.6%
2012
82.1%
87.4%
16.9%
11.1%
0.9%
1.4%
2008
79.9%
87.6%
20.1%
11.7%
0.0%
0.6%
2004
75.0%
82.5%
24.3%
17.1%
0.7%
0.5%
2000
81.0%
82.9%
15.7%
14.2%
3.3%
2.9%
1996
80.1%
79.3%
15.1%
15.5%
4.9%
5.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Brooklyn
Baltimore
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.9%
11.0%
7.5%
8.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.8%
0.6%
4.2%
1.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.9%
1.4%
3.8%
2.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
1.0%
0.5%
5.2%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
1.6%
2.3%
4.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
1.0%
2.0%
4.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
1.4%
2.4%
7.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.0%
0.4%
0.6%
1.8%
Weather
Weather differences are also a factor to consider. Winters can be particularly harsh in Brooklyn, NY, with long, cold, and snowy conditions. Summers, on the other hand, can be relatively hot. Baltimore, MD, experiences a more balanced four-season climate, with milder winters and hot, humid summers. It's perfect for those who prefer experiencing all four distinct seasons.
Weather and climate
Type
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Temperature - Average
55.1°F
54.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.7%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.1%
36%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
76.8%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50.7%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
46.5 in
42.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
53.4 in
39.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.7%
17.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
60.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
63%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
47%
Wind speed - Average
10.6 mph
7.9 mph
Average climate in Brooklyn, New York
Average climate in Baltimore, Maryland
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Brooklyn
Baltimore
2018
93
89
0.31
0.23
16.8
11.8
24.2
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.0
7.9
0.4
0.1
2017
95
89
0.25
0.25
17.0
12.1
24.5
27.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
8.2
0.3
0.2
2016
93
102
0.31
0.26
17.7
13.0
24.8
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.2
7.7
0.5
0.3
2015
100
89
0.38
0.28
18.2
12.4
24.1
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.0
9.5
0.7
0.4
2014
95
82
0.38
0.25
18.5
11.8
23.5
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
10.9
0.9
0.6
2013
96
86
0.41
0.22
18.9
10.7
24.4
25.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
9.6
1.0
0.5
2012
98
98
0.44
0.24
18.3
11.3
24.4
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
11.2
1.6
0.5
2011
107
101
0.43
0.24
20.7
12.5
23.6
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
12.1
2.4
0.8
2010
112
110
0.43
0.24
19.4
13.1
24.7
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
12.2
2.3
1.0
2009
104
84
0.43
0.23
21.5
12.2
20.7
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
10.4
3.1
1.4
2008
109
96
0.47
0.25
22.6
13.6
21.3
21.6
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.8
12.8
4.1
1.8
2007
121
107
0.53
0.21
23.5
13.8
20.8
23.2
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
14.0
4.8
2.5
2006
116
112
0.61
N/A
24.2
12.0
20.7
24.6
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
14.7
5.7
N/A
2005
107
111
0.74
N/A
26.1
14.3
19.6
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.0
N/A
17.1
7.5
N/A
2004
106
108
0.74
N/A
25.8
15.3
18.5
28.0
0.030
N/A
N/A
23.1
N/A
16.3
7.1
N/A
2003
107
110
0.81
N/A
27.4
17.8
18.4
22.4
0.021
N/A
26.9
N/A
N/A
13.9
7.4
N/A
2002
122
119
0.76
N/A
27.9
17.4
19.9
19.4
0.008
N/A
26.2
N/A
N/A
16.3
6.5
5.8
2001
121
104
0.80
N/A
29.5
18.2
22.3
23.9
0.020
N/A
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
6.0
2000
115
101
0.92
N/A
29.8
17.0
20.3
22.4
0.022
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
6.3
Natural disasters
Type
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
56.4%
117.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
30.8%
40.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
17%
0%
Transportation
Both cities are well-connected with public transportation. Brooklyn’s public transit - MTA subway and bus lines offer an affordable way to travel throughout the borough and beyond into Manhattan, Queens, and The Bronx. Baltimore's Public Transportation system, which includes buses, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, and MARC Train service, conveniently links different neighborhoods and connects to Washington D.C and other key areas.
Transport
Type
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Amtrak stations
0
2
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
149
136
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Bicycle
0.5%
0.4%
Bus
10.4%
6.2%
Carpooled
8%
7.3%
Car alone
22.4%
77.2%
Railroad
1.4%
0.3%
Streetcar
0.2%
1.2%
Subway
44.8%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.7%
0.7%
Walked
8.8%
4.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Average
44.5 min
32.3 min
Real Estate
Real estate value in Brooklyn is significantly higher than in Baltimore. Brooklyn is known for its high property and rental prices, largely due to location and demand. On the other hand, Baltimore offers more affordable options in real estate and renting with less crowd density and more open spaces.
Neighborhoods
Brooklyn stays pulsating with a mix of trendy neighborhoods like Williamsburg and DUMBO, and more residential areas like Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights. Each neighborhood possesses its unique character and charm. Baltimore also offers a range of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles, such as the prestigious Roland Park, the historic Federal Hill, and the waterfront neighborhood of Fells Point.
Houses and residents
Type
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Houses
930,866
293,487
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.4
Houses occupied
880,727 (94.6%)
254,370 (86.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
238,290 (27.1%)
123,249 (48.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
642,437 (72.9%)
131,121 (51.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,589
$1,254
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,621,117
$207,303
Estimated median house or condo value
$793,300
$193,100
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.2
6.5
Renting percentage
72.3%
52.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
13,184
3,632.1
Household income disparities
48.5%
49.4%
Housing units without a mortgage
29,251 (32.9%)
2,415 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
183 (0.2%)
5,740 (6.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
59,793 (67.1%)
84,578 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
4,512 (5.1%)
579 (0.7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,098 (5.7%)
8,544 (9.8%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
45,971
12,671
State government workers
27,527
20,410
Unpaid family workers
2,234
356
Industries and Occupations
In Brooklyn, the primary industries for occupations are tech, finance, healthcare, retail trade, and education. There's a significant amount of opportunities for creative people in occupations such as artists, musicians, and writers, thanks to Brooklyn's vibrant and diverse artistic community. Baltimore's economy revolves around health care, education, trades, and government-related jobs. It's also a noted science and technology hub with numerous opportunities for people in those fields.
Healthcare in both cities is top-notch, with Brooklyn boasting some of the top hospital systems in the nation such as NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Baltimore is renowned for the Johns Hopkins Hospital, which is considered one of the best hospitals in the world.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Brooklyn
Baltimore
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure in both cities is well developed, but Brooklyn, due to its higher population and status as part of New York City, has a dense and highly-developed infrastructure, with tall buildings, well-maintained roads, and various public amenities. Baltimore, while a bit less dense, also sports well-developed infrastructure, with medical facilities, sports complexes, educational institutions, and a wide variety of public amenities.
Infrastructure
Type
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Hospitals
104
45
TV stations
29
19
Bank branches located here
271
215
Bank institutions located here
41
44
Main business address for public companies
9
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
12
13
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
75
18
Schools
School facilities
Type
Brooklyn
Baltimore
Private elementary/middle schools
151
54
Private high schools
128
48
Public elementary/middle schools
405
233
Public high schools
176
70
Colleges/Universities
48
25
Culture and Food
Culturally, Brooklyn is known for its diverse and vibrant communities with a thriving arts scene, famous landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, and a foodie culture that embraces cuisines from around the world. Baltimore has a rich history reflected in its many museums, historic sites, and sea-related heritage. The food culture in Baltimore is heavily influenced by its coastal location with seafood, especially crab, being a local favorite.
Sports Teams
In terms of sports, both cities have their favorites. Brooklyn is home to the Brooklyn Nets (NBA) and a stone’s throw away from New York's iconic teams like the Yankees (MLB) and Giants (NFL). Baltimore supports its Ravens (NFL) and Orioles (MLB) passionately, with both teams deeply rooted in the city's sports culture.
Brooklyn, NY
Baltimore, MD
Brooklyn, NY and 
Baltimore, MD : 168.8 miles
