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Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Sacramento, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

9.3% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
26.8% 26.8% more expensive housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 26.8% more
Baltimore
112
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Baltimore
104
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Baltimore
110
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 3.8% more
Baltimore
104
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Baltimore
108
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Baltimore, MD Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index1081189.3% more
Housing11214226.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,65022.2% more
Median Home Price$220,000$450,000104.5% more
Groceries104104~Same
Transportation110112~Same
Healthcare1041083.8% more
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Baltimore, MD Sacramento, CA
State Income Tax5.75% (top)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.99%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Baltimore, MD
$58,000
Median household income
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Sacramento outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Sacramento to maintain your Baltimore lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Baltimore (108) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Baltimore5.0%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Baltimore1.7%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Baltimore31 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Baltimore67
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Baltimore44
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Baltimore56°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Baltimore585,708
Sacramento524,943

Moving from Baltimore to Sacramento?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Baltimore and Sacramento → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Sacramento →

Compare Other Cities

Baltimore vs Austin → Baltimore vs Denver → Baltimore vs Nashville → Sacramento vs Raleigh → Sacramento vs Portland → Sacramento vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baltimore or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Baltimore is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 26.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Baltimore and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Baltimore or Sacramento?+
Maryland has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Baltimore to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Baltimore is $58,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Baltimore vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Baltimore is $220,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $230,000. Property tax rates also differ: Maryland averages 0.99% while California averages 0.71%.