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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Baltimore is 52% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,290/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 53%
$59,623/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 51%
$219,300 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 249%
$1,333/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 51%
577,193
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $681/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $8,172/year.

Median household income is $30,543/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Baltimore or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $681/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $30,543/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Garden Grove

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins