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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Long Beach

California
169

Baltimore is 50% cheaper than Long Beach.

$1,290/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,803/mo ↑ 40%
$59,623/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$83,969/yr ↑ 41%
$219,300 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$762,200 ↑ 248%
$1,333/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,890/mo ↑ 42%
577,193
Population
458,491

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
25.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $513/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $6,156/year.

Median household income is $24,346/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Long Beach — common questions

Is Baltimore or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Long Beach?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $513/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Long Beach?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $24,346/year higher in Long 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 Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,803/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Long Beach details →

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