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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Orange

California
206

Baltimore is 59% cheaper than Orange.

$1,290/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 75%
$59,623/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 96%
$219,300 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 311%
$1,333/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 80%
577,193
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $962/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $11,544/year.

Median household income is $57,322/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Orange — common questions

Is Baltimore or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Orange?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $962/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Orange?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $57,322/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Orange details →

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