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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Fontana

California
146

Baltimore is 42% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,290/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 34%
$59,623/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 65%
$219,300 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 155%
$1,333/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 49%
577,193
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $443/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $5,316/year.

Median household income is $38,564/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Fontana — common questions

Is Baltimore or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Fontana?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $443/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Fontana?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $38,564/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Fontana details →

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