Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Baltimore is 37% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,290/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 11%
$59,623/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 15%
$219,300 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 180%
$1,333/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 9%
577,193
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $8,755/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Baltimore or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $8,755/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

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