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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Modesto

California
120

Baltimore is 30% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,290/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 25%
$59,623/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 31%
$219,300 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 90%
$1,333/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 21%
577,193
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $319/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $3,828/year.

Median household income is $18,276/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Modesto — common questions

Is Baltimore or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Modesto?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $319/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Modesto?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $18,276/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Modesto

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley