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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Baltimore, MD

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

20.6% Baltimore, MD is cheaper overall
37.1% 37.1% cheaper housing
5.5% 5.5% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 37.1% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries 5.5% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 12.0% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 7.1% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 2.9% more
Los Angeles
105
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index13610820.6% less
Housing17811237.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,35046.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$220,00075.0% less
Groceries1101045.5% less
Transportation12511012.0% less
Healthcare1121047.1% less
Utilities1051082.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Baltimore, MD
State Income Tax13.30% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
Baltimore, MD
$58,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Baltimore costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Baltimore585,708

Moving from Los Angeles to Baltimore?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Baltimore is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 37.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $1,150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Baltimore?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Maryland has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Los Angeles to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $58,000 in Baltimore. 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 Los Angeles vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $660,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Maryland averages 0.99%.