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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

Los Angeles is 123% more expensive than Baltimore.

$1,879/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↓ 31%
$80,366/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 26%
$879,500 ↑ 301%
Home Value
$219,300 ↓ 75%
$2,055/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↓ 35%
3,857,897
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.07%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $589/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $7,068/year.

Median household income is $20,743/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Baltimore — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Baltimore?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $589/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Baltimore?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $20,743/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Maryland?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,290/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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