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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Baltimore is 67% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,290/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 65%
$59,623/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 82%
$219,300 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 516%
$1,333/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 76%
577,193
Population
120,223

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $837/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $10,044/year.

Median household income is $48,935/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Baltimore or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Berkeley?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $837/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Berkeley?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $48,935/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Berkeley details →

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