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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Baltimore is 57% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,290/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 65%
$59,623/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 75%
$219,300 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 292%
$1,333/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 69%
577,193
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $834/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $10,008/year.

Median household income is $44,596/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Baltimore or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Fullerton?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $834/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Fullerton?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $44,596/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Fullerton

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren