Baltimore, MD, and Durham, NC, are two vibrant cities on the East Coast, each offering different experiences for both its residents and visitors. Things like cost of living, education, and weather aspects mark palpable differences between the two. Whether you want to appreciate the historical charm and bustling art life in Baltimore, or love the laid-back vibe, booming tech scene, and robust educational environment in Durham, both cities present unique opportunities. These circumstances warrant a more in-depth review of the various aspects of each city.
Distance between
Baltimore, MD and
Durham, NC : 261.3 miles
Baltimore's population is larger by 102%. Its population has decreased by 74,656 people (11.5%) since 2000. The population of Durham has grown by 98,492 people (52.7%) during that time.
There's a perceptible difference in crime rates between Baltimore and Durham. Baltimore's crime rate is notably higher than the national average, contributing to a reputation of being one of the more dangerous big cities in the US. Conversely, Durham's crime rate, while also higher than the national average, is considerably lower than in Baltimore, making it relatively safer. Both cities have prioritized community-led initiatives to reduce crime and enhance safety.
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 1,585 registered sex offenders living in Baltimore and 405 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Baltimore is 388 to 1; the ratio in Durham is 649 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Baltimore than in Durham.
Cost of Living
The cost of living varies considerably between the two cities. Baltimore is around 17% more expensive overall than Durham. Housing is the most significant factor in the cost of living difference. Baltimore's housing costs are about 42% higher than Durham's.
Income Tax
Baltimore has a higher income tax ranging from 2% to 5.75% while Durham's state income tax sits at a flat rate of 5.25%.
Property Tax
Baltimore's property tax is around 2.248% whereas Durham's is much lower, averaging 0.812%.
Sales Tax
Baltimore residents face slightly higher sales tax at 6% compared to Durham's 4.75%.
Income
Type
Baltimore
Durham
Estimated median household income
$54,652
$71,343
Estimated per capita income
$35,091
$42,469
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
105.7
94.1
If you make $50,000 in Durham, you will have to make $56,164 in Baltimore to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Baltimore, with its Inner Harbor, offers scenic water views and access to a variety of water activities. Durham, located in the Piedmont region, has beautiful landscapes with numerous parks, hiking trails, and the Eno River.
Both cities boast prestigious educational institutions. Baltimore is home to Johns Hopkins University, a world-renowned institution, along with a variety of other four-year universities. Durham is part of the Research Triangle, distinguished for its high focus on education and research, including Duke University.
Baltimore has a robust economy primarily driven by a diverse set of industries such as health, academia, and tourism. The city is experiencing significant growth in tech start-ups. Durham's economy is rooted in the tech industry, academia, and healthcare, with a higher growth rate and lower unemployment than Baltimore.
Biggest Employers
Baltimore's biggest employers include Johns Hopkins Hospital and Under Armour. In Durham, the leading employers are Duke University and Health System, along with companies in the Research Triangle Park such as IBM.
There were 191 building permits issued in Baltimore in 2012 (116 more than in 2011) compared to 1,960 building permits issued in Durham in 2012 (1077 more than in 2011).
In Baltimore (Baltimore city), 87.4% voted for Democrats and 11.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Durham (Durham County), 75.8% voted for Democrats and 23.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Baltimore
Durham
Baltimore
Durham
Baltimore
Durham
2020
87.5%
80.5%
10.7%
18.1%
1.8%
1.4%
2016
84.8%
77.7%
10.5%
18.2%
4.6%
4.2%
2012
87.4%
75.8%
11.1%
23.0%
1.4%
1.2%
2008
87.6%
75.8%
11.7%
23.7%
0.6%
0.5%
2004
82.5%
68.0%
17.1%
31.6%
0.5%
0.3%
2000
82.9%
63.8%
14.2%
35.7%
2.9%
0.5%
1996
79.3%
60.8%
15.5%
34.4%
5.1%
4.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Baltimore
Durham
Baltimore
Durham
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.0%
3.9%
8.2%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.6%
1.0%
4.0%
2.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.4%
3.2%
2.2%
2.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.4%
9.7%
7.3%
20.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.4%
4.3%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.6%
0.7%
1.5%
1.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
1.5%
2.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
1.8%
0.3%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.4%
0.6%
0.3%
Weather
Baltimore and Durham are both in the humid subtropical climate zone, but they experience different weather patterns. Baltimore sees cold winters with occasional snowfall, while summers can be hot and humid. Durham enjoys mild winters, rarely experiencing snow, while summers are warmer and more humid than Baltimore's.
Weather and climate
Type
Baltimore
Durham
Temperature - Average
54.5°F
59°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
70.4%
73.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36%
44%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
84%
90%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
42.9 in
47.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
39.6 in
13.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
18.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.3%
63.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
13%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
63%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
47%
51%
Wind speed - Average
7.9 mph
7.1 mph
Average climate in Baltimore, Maryland
Average climate in Durham, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Baltimore
Durham
Baltimore
Durham
Baltimore
Durham
Baltimore
Durham
Baltimore
Durham
Baltimore
Durham
Baltimore
Durham
2018
89
70
0.23
0.23
11.8
8.0
28.3
27.9
N/A
12.7
7.9
8.8
0.1
0.3
2017
89
68
0.25
0.23
12.1
8.6
27.7
25.8
N/A
13.3
8.2
9.2
0.2
0.2
2016
102
79
0.26
0.23
13.0
8.5
28.3
25.8
N/A
7.9
7.7
9.4
0.3
0.3
2015
89
78
0.28
0.27
12.4
8.9
28.3
27.6
N/A
12.4
9.5
9.0
0.4
0.5
2014
82
74
0.25
0.26
11.8
9.7
25.7
29.7
N/A
N/A
10.9
8.2
0.6
0.3
2013
86
73
0.22
0.26
10.7
N/A
25.6
26.4
N/A
N/A
9.6
8.0
0.5
0.2
2012
98
77
0.24
0.28
11.3
N/A
25.0
29.0
N/A
N/A
11.2
8.4
0.5
0.6
2011
101
83
0.24
0.27
12.5
N/A
25.1
32.0
N/A
N/A
12.1
9.8
0.8
0.7
2010
110
94
0.24
0.30
13.1
N/A
26.9
31.2
N/A
N/A
12.2
10.1
1.0
1.0
2009
84
78
0.23
0.33
12.2
N/A
23.5
25.3
N/A
N/A
10.4
9.8
1.4
1.0
2008
96
95
0.25
0.39
13.6
N/A
21.6
30.1
N/A
N/A
12.8
13.1
1.8
1.5
2007
107
98
0.21
0.40
13.8
N/A
23.2
35.4
N/A
N/A
14.0
13.9
2.5
1.2
2006
112
90
N/A
0.43
12.0
N/A
24.6
30.1
N/A
N/A
14.7
13.5
N/A
0.9
2005
111
73
N/A
0.41
14.3
N/A
26.3
31.4
23.0
N/A
17.1
N/A
N/A
2.5
2004
108
63
N/A
0.44
15.3
N/A
28.0
27.9
23.1
N/A
16.3
N/A
N/A
3.7
2003
110
84
N/A
N/A
17.8
N/A
22.4
29.4
N/A
N/A
13.9
N/A
N/A
3.0
2002
119
89
N/A
N/A
17.4
N/A
19.4
35.3
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
5.8
2.6
2001
104
86
N/A
N/A
18.2
N/A
23.9
30.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.0
2.2
2000
101
102
N/A
0.65
17.0
N/A
22.4
32.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.3
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Baltimore
Durham
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
117.8%
84.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
40.6%
55.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
0%
16%
Transportation
Baltimore offers a more robust public transit system than Durham, with options such as metro, light rail, and buses. Durham's public transit mainly includes buses, but many residents prefer driving as the main mode of transport.
Transport
Type
Baltimore
Durham
Amtrak stations
2
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
136
100
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Baltimore
Durham
Bicycle
0.4%
0.6%
Bus
6.2%
1.3%
Carpooled
7.3%
9.3%
Car alone
77.2%
84.4%
Railroad
0.3%
0.1%
Streetcar
1.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.7%
0.2%
Walked
4.5%
2.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Baltimore
Durham
Average
32.3 min
27.4 min
Other means
26.3 min
21.3 min
Public transportation
46.8 min
36.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Baltimore
Durham
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
90.7%
89.5%
In 2 person carpool
7.5%
7.9%
In 3 person carpool
1%
2.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.4%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Baltimore is slightly more expensive than in Durham, with a wider variety of historic and contemporary housing options. Durham's real estate, while more affordable, is increasing rapidly due to the area's growth.
Neighborhoods
Baltimore is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique vibe and culture, from the historic Federal Hill to artsy Station North. Durham's neighborhoods are also diverse, with trendy spots like Downtown and quieter suburban areas like Hope Valley.
Houses and residents
Type
Baltimore
Durham
Houses
293,487
131,917
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.3
Median year apartment built
1959
1994
Median year house/condo built
1944
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.7 years
10.7 years
Houses occupied
254,370 (86.7%)
122,412 (92.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
123,249 (48.5%)
62,550 (51.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
131,121 (51.5%)
59,862 (48.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,254
$2,314
Median monthly housing costs
$1,196
$1,261
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$207,303
$117,283
Estimated median house or condo value
$193,100
$325,000
Median numbers of rooms
5.6
5.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
$321,473
$361,977
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$218,934
$169,611
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$142,945
$259,774
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$257,173
$194,008
Median house price - mobile homes
$269,877
$83,086
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$210,096
$286,940
Median house price - All housing units
$246,241
$350,027
Median house age
72
26
Renting percentage
52.3%
50.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
3,632.1
1,394
House value disparities
38.5%
29.7%
Household income disparities
49.4%
44.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$85,990
$106,360
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$53,334
$79,496
Housing units without a mortgage
2,415 (2.8%)
1,538 (3.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
5,740 (6.6%)
3,157 (6.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
84,578 (97.2%)
47,533 (96.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
579 (0.7%)
99 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,544 (9.8%)
3,728 (7.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
6
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
6%
1.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
5.1%
0.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Baltimore
Durham
One, detached
16.4%
50.1%
One, attached
49.5%
9.8%
Two
4.5%
2.5%
3 or 4
4.9%
5.2%
5 to 9
5.5%
8.5%
10 to 19
4.8%
11.1%
20 to 49
2.8%
4.5%
50 or more
11.4%
8.1%
Mobile homes
0.2%
0.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
12,671
5,381
State government workers
20,410
13,743
Unpaid family workers
356
371
Industries and Occupations
In Baltimore, healthcare and social assistance and education are the leading industries. Durham's bustling economy is centered around tech, healthcare, and education, with opportunities in academia due to the presence of Duke University and Research Triangle Park.
Baltimore, with world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital, offers excellent healthcare services. Durham, known as the City of Medicine, also offers high-quality healthcare with numerous top-rated hospitals such as Duke University Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Baltimore
Durham
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Baltimore's infrastructure, with older but charming architecture, is characterized by efficient public transportation and varying road conditions. Durham's infrastructure is evolving rapidly with new developments, however public transit is not as robust as in Baltimore.
Infrastructure
Type
Baltimore
Durham
Hospitals
45
18
TV stations
19
25
Arenas or stadiums
3
1
Bank branches located here
215
63
Bank institutions located here
44
14
Main business address for public companies
27
7
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
13
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Baltimore
Durham
1999
2,486
991
2000
2,058
666
2001
1,371
510
2002
1,111
440
2003
1,526
369
2004
2,929
485
2005
4,981
593
2006
5,533
846
2007
3,592
610
2008
1,111
231
2009
381
144
Culture and Food
Baltimore is famous for its vibrant arts scene, historic sites, and crab-based cuisine. Durham, on the other hand, has a thriving culture blend of a growing foodie scene, arts, and music festivals.
Sports Teams
Baltimore boasts professional sports teams like the Baltimore Ravens (NFL) and Baltimore Orioles (MLB). Durham, while lacking in professional teams, is widely known for its college basketball due to Duke and the University of North Carolina.
Baltimore, MD
Durham, NC
