Columbus, Ohio, and Baltimore, Maryland, are two vibrant American cities with distinctive characters. Both cities offer a range of opportunities and amenities, but they differ greatly in various aspects, from climate to cost of living to cultural offerings. Those considering relocation or a visit will find the following topics helpful to determine which city aligns best with their lifestyle and expectation.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Baltimore, MD : 342.3 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 57%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Baltimore has decreased by 74,656 people (11.5%) during that time.
According to FBI statistics, Baltimore has a higher crime rate compared to Columbus. This is a significant factor to consider for both potential residents and tourists. While both cities have areas with high crime rates, Columbus generally feels safer and quieter. Baltimore is making strides to improve its safety and has safe neighborhoods, especially the Inner Harbor area, a famous tourist destination.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,506 registered sex offenders living in Columbus and 1,558 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 573 to 1; the ratio in Baltimore is 395 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Columbus than in Baltimore.
Cost of Living
Columbus is generally cheaper than Baltimore in terms of cost of living—home prices, rent, and everyday expenses like groceries and transportation are lower. However, salaries also tend to be lower in Columbus compared to Baltimore, so this is worth bearing in mind.
Income Tax
Ohio's income tax (1.98%-4.797%) is lower than Maryland's combined state and local income taxes (2%-5.75% state, 2.25%-3.20% local).
Property Tax
Property tax rates are significantly lower in Columbus (2.11%) compared to Baltimore (2.248%).
Sales Tax
Sales tax is lower in Columbus (7.5%) compared to Baltimore (6% state sales tax plus 1.25% Baltimore city tax). This could account for the lower cost of living in Columbus.
Income
Type
Columbus
Baltimore
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$54,652
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$35,091
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
105.7
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $54,995 in Baltimore to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Baltimore's geographic advantage is its access to the coast, providing beautiful water views. Columbus, in contrast, enjoys a typical Midwestern topography with open spaces, parks, and recreational areas.
Both cities are education hubs hosting world-renowned universities. Baltimore is home to Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, while Columbus houses the Ohio State University. Baltimore might have slightly more prestige in terms of education due to Johns Hopkins’ international fame.
Columbus' economy is diverse, with thriving sectors including education, insurance, banking, fashion, and healthcare. Baltimore's economy is more based on the service sector, with a particular emphasis on healthcare and educational services. Both cities offer satisfactory job opportunities depending on the industry.
Biggest Employers
Johns Hopkins University and Health System are the largest employers in Baltimore. In Columbus, the biggest employer is the Ohio State University, followed by JP Morgan Chase and Nationwide.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 191 building permits issued in Baltimore in 2012 (116 more than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% 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
Columbus
Baltimore
Columbus
Baltimore
Columbus
Baltimore
2020
64.7%
87.5%
33.4%
10.7%
1.9%
1.8%
2016
59.8%
84.8%
33.9%
10.5%
6.2%
4.6%
2012
60.8%
87.4%
37.9%
11.1%
1.3%
1.4%
2008
59.8%
87.6%
39.0%
11.7%
1.2%
0.6%
2004
54.5%
82.5%
45.2%
17.1%
0.3%
0.5%
2000
48.9%
82.9%
47.9%
14.2%
3.2%
2.9%
1996
48.1%
79.3%
44.5%
15.5%
7.3%
5.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Baltimore
Columbus
Baltimore
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
11.0%
5.6%
8.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
1.0%
3.7%
4.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.4%
6.8%
7.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.6%
1.9%
1.5%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.0%
1.2%
0.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
1.4%
3.3%
2.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.6%
1.3%
4.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
2.0%
1.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.0%
1.8%
Weather
Columbus experiences a typical Midwestern climate - hot summers and cold, snowy winters. On the other hand, Baltimore, being close to the coast, has milder winters and hot, humid summers. Both cities have beautiful autumns, making it a great time to visit.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Baltimore
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
54.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
36%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
42.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
39.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
17.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
60.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
63%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
47%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
7.9 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Baltimore, Maryland
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Baltimore
Columbus
Baltimore
Columbus
Baltimore
Columbus
Baltimore
Columbus
Baltimore
Columbus
Baltimore
Columbus
Baltimore
2018
69
89
0.11
0.23
10.0
11.8
33.8
28.3
N/A
N/A
6.0
7.9
0.0
0.1
2017
68
89
0.16
0.25
9.6
12.1
28.7
27.7
N/A
N/A
5.5
8.2
0.1
0.2
2016
76
102
0.17
0.26
10.6
13.0
28.5
28.3
N/A
N/A
5.6
7.7
0.1
0.3
2015
74
89
0.16
0.28
11.3
12.4
27.0
28.3
N/A
N/A
6.1
9.5
0.1
0.4
2014
82
82
0.20
0.25
11.0
11.8
28.5
25.7
N/A
N/A
7.4
10.9
0.5
0.6
2013
78
86
N/A
0.22
8.9
10.7
29.6
25.6
N/A
N/A
7.8
9.6
0.6
0.5
2012
87
98
N/A
0.24
N/A
11.3
32.9
25.0
N/A
N/A
8.9
11.2
N/A
0.5
2011
89
101
N/A
0.24
N/A
12.5
28.1
25.1
N/A
N/A
8.9
12.1
N/A
0.8
2010
90
110
N/A
0.24
N/A
13.1
30.5
26.9
N/A
N/A
9.1
12.2
N/A
1.0
2009
61
84
N/A
0.23
N/A
12.2
28.7
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.4
N/A
1.4
2008
65
96
N/A
0.25
N/A
13.6
31.2
21.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.8
1.8
1.8
2007
80
107
N/A
0.21
N/A
13.8
30.8
23.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.0
2.8
2.5
2006
75
112
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.0
30.0
24.6
23.7
N/A
N/A
14.7
3.3
N/A
2005
87
111
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.3
29.6
26.3
27.5
23.0
N/A
17.1
4.1
N/A
2004
77
108
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.3
27.8
28.0
24.6
23.1
N/A
16.3
4.4
N/A
2003
91
110
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.8
26.4
22.4
23.9
N/A
N/A
13.9
4.1
N/A
2002
93
119
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.4
31.3
19.4
25.7
N/A
N/A
16.3
4.1
5.8
2001
84
104
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.2
29.2
23.9
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.5
6.0
2000
57
101
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.0
N/A
22.4
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
6.3
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Baltimore
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
117.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
40.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
0%
Transportation
Public transportation is more reliable in Baltimore with its light rail and bus systems. Columbus relies heavily on cars, although it has a bus system and is making efforts to improve its public transit.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Baltimore
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
415
136
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Baltimore
Bicycle
0.6%
0.4%
Bus
1.6%
6.2%
Carpooled
7.4%
7.3%
Car alone
86.7%
77.2%
Railroad
0%
0.3%
Streetcar
0%
1.2%
Subway
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.7%
Walked
2.2%
4.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Baltimore
Average
26.1 min
32.3 min
Other means
21.7 min
26.3 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
46.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Baltimore
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
90.7%
90.7%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
7.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
In terms of affordability, you get more for your money in Columbus. The real estate market is cheaper compared to Baltimore, accessible for many families. However, Baltimore offers a wider range of architectural styles from historic row houses to modern condos.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have a mix of family-friendly and hip, young neighborhoods. Columbus boasts modern residential areas like Short North and German Village, whereas Baltimore offers waterfront views in neighborhoods like Fells Point and Canton.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Baltimore
Houses
422,120
293,487
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.4
Median year apartment built
1982
1959
Median year house/condo built
1977
1944
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
254,370 (86.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
123,249 (48.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
131,121 (51.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$1,254
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$1,196
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$207,303
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$193,100
Median numbers of rooms
5
5.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$321,473
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$218,934
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$142,945
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$257,173
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$269,877
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$27,006
$91,531
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$210,096
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$246,241
Median house age
42
72
Renting percentage
53%
52.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
3,632.1
House value disparities
30.2%
38.5%
Household income disparities
42.4%
49.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$85,990
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$53,334
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
2,415 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
5,740 (6.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
84,578 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
579 (0.7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
8,544 (9.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
5.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Baltimore
One, detached
45.8%
16.4%
One, attached
9.1%
49.5%
Two
4.0%
4.5%
3 or 4
8.6%
4.9%
5 to 9
11.8%
5.5%
10 to 19
8.6%
4.8%
20 to 49
4.5%
2.8%
50 or more
6.8%
11.4%
Mobile homes
0.8%
0.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
12,671
State government workers
31,881
20,410
Unpaid family workers
724
356
Industries and Occupations
Healthcare, education, and government are major employers in both cities. In Columbus, there's a strong presence of finance, insurance, and retail corporations. Baltimore has a significant maritime industry due to its prime harbor location.
Both cities have high-grade healthcare facilities. Baltimore brings together physicians from globally-recognized Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, while Columbus has several award-winning hospitals, including the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Baltimore
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Baltimore's infrastructure includes historic and modern architecture with beautiful city landscapes. Conversely, Columbus brags about its well-planned infrastructure, including wide roads, modern buildings, and its tech-driven Smart City initiative.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Baltimore
Hospitals
47
45
TV stations
14
19
Arenas or stadiums
3
3
Bank branches located here
200
215
Bank institutions located here
25
44
Main business address for public companies
23
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
13
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Baltimore
1999
2,450
2,486
2000
2,376
2,058
2001
1,897
1,371
2002
1,483
1,111
2003
2,087
1,526
2004
3,216
2,929
2005
4,275
4,981
2006
4,662
5,533
2007
2,679
3,592
2008
1,015
1,111
2009
555
381
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich cultural scenes, albeit different in vibe. Baltimore has extensive historic sites and maritime culture. Columbus has a young, dynamic feel with a rising art scene and is known for its German heritage. Baltimore's famous for its seafood, particularly Maryland blue crabs, while Columbus is renowned for its food trucks and international cuisine.
Sports Teams
For sports fans, Baltimore houses two prominent professional teams - The Baltimore Ravens (NFL) and The Baltimore Orioles (MLB). Columbus is home to the Columbus Crew (MLS), Blue Jackets (NHL), and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Columbus, OH
Baltimore, MD
Columbus, OH and 
Baltimore, MD : 342.3 miles
