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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Ontario

California
152

Baltimore is 45% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,290/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 49%
$59,623/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 39%
$219,300 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 159%
$1,333/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 48%
577,193
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $626/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $7,512/year.

Median household income is $23,183/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Ontario — common questions

Is Baltimore or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Ontario?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $626/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Ontario?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $23,183/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

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Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa