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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

San Francisco is 183% more expensive than Baltimore.

$2,419/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↓ 47%
$141,446/yr ↑ 137%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 58%
$1,380,500 ↑ 530%
Home Value
$219,300 ↓ 84%
$2,620/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↓ 49%
836,321
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,129/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $13,548/year.

Median household income is $81,823/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Baltimore — common questions

Is San Francisco or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Baltimore?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $1,129/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Baltimore?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $81,823/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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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