Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Baltimore, MD (2026)

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

San Antonio and Baltimore have a similar cost of living.

$1,258/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↑ 3%
$62,917/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 5%
$219,700 ≈ Same
Home Value
$219,300 ≈ Same
$1,235/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↑ 8%
1,458,954
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.07%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,294/year higher in San Antonio. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

Texas has no state income tax, giving San Antonio residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Baltimore — common questions

Is San Antonio or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Baltimore?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Baltimore?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $3,294/year higher in San Antonio.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Maryland?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax.
Should I move to San Antonio or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/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.
View San Antonio details → View Baltimore details →

More Comparisons

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