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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Baltimore is 23% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,290/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 11%
$59,623/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↑ 7%
$219,300 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 76%
$1,333/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 11%
577,193
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $4,365/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Baltimore or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $4,365/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View San Bernardino details →

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