Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Baltimore is 19% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,290/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↑ 6%
$59,623/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 30%
$219,300 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 58%
$1,333/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 16%
577,193
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $17,774/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

Maryland has a lower income tax rate, making Baltimore slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Baltimore or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $17,774/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and California?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,371/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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