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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Baltimore is 36% cheaper than Sacramento.

$1,290/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↑ 31%
$59,623/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↑ 40%
$219,300 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$484,600 ↑ 121%
$1,333/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↑ 31%
577,193
Population
524,802

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $404/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $4,848/year.

Median household income is $24,130/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Baltimore or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Sacramento?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $404/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Sacramento?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $24,130/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Sacramento details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Sacramento

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta