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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Baltimore is 32% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,290/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 31%
$59,623/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 28%
$219,300 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 87%
$1,333/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 31%
577,193
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $406/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $4,872/year.

Median household income is $16,460/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Baltimore or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Lancaster?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $406/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Lancaster?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $16,460/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Lancaster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Lancaster

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale