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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Baltimore is 57% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,290/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 93%
$59,623/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 101%
$219,300 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 229%
$1,333/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 99%
577,193
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,196/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $14,352/year.

Median household income is $60,303/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Baltimore or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,196/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $60,303/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

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