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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Baltimore is 63% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,290/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 88%
$59,623/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 101%
$219,300 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 378%
$1,333/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 83%
577,193
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,134/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $13,608/year.

Median household income is $60,262/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Baltimore or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,134/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $60,262/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Huntington Beach details →

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