Baltimore remained 2nd for average cost of living according to ACCRA, the nonprofit organization that conducts universally accepted cost of living studies. The region is one of only four metros in the study with average costs below the U.S. average.

Greater Baltimore ranks 9th among the regions for median home price at $127,400 in 1999. Despite an increase of more than $9,000 per house from 1997, most other metropolitan area prices increased at a similar or higher rate. Boston and San Diego are the most expensive markets among the 20 metros at over $230,000 each. Tampa and St. Louis are the least expensive markets.

Home ownership rates in Greater Baltimore declined from 71.6 percent in 1997 to 68.4 percent in 1999, dropping the region from 5th to 12th for this ranking.

COST OF LIVING CHARTS

• Cost of Living, 1997 and 1999
• Median Home Prices, 1997 and 1999
• Homeownership Rates, 1997 and 1999