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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Baltimore is 58% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,290/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 95%
$59,623/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 97%
$219,300 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 244%
$1,333/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 93%
577,193
Population
125,769

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,223/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $14,676/year.

Median household income is $58,080/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Baltimore or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,223/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $58,080/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Simi Valley details →

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