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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Baltimore is 75% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,290/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 138%
$59,623/yr ↓ 67%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 205%
$219,300 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 728%
$1,333/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 126%
577,193
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,775/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $21,300/year.

Median household income is $122,239/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Baltimore or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,775/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $122,239/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Sunnyvale details →

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