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Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX 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.

20.0% Baltimore, MD is more expensive overall
36.6% 36.6% more expensive housing
13.0% 13.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 36.6% more
San Antonio
82
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries 13.0% more
San Antonio
92
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 17.0% more
San Antonio
94
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 11.8% more
San Antonio
93
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 6.9% more
San Antonio
101
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Antonio, TX Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index9010820.0% more
Housing8211236.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,35028.6% more
Median Home Price$255,000$220,00013.7% less
Groceries9210413.0% more
Transportation9411017.0% more
Healthcare9310411.8% more
Utilities1011086.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Antonio, TX Baltimore, MD
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

San Antonio, TX
$58,000
Median household income
Baltimore, MD
$58,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Baltimore costs more but median income is only slightly higher. 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 San Antonio lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Antonio (90) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Antonio4.2%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Antonio2.6%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
San AntonioMilitary, Healthcare, Tourism
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Antonio25 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
San Antonio36
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
San Antonio42
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
San Antonio69°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
San Antonio1,451,853
Baltimore585,708

Moving from San Antonio to Baltimore?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in San Antonio 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 San Antonio or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
San Antonio is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 36.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Antonio vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in San Antonio and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Antonio or Baltimore?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 San Antonio to Baltimore?+
Median household income in San Antonio is $58,000 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 San Antonio vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in San Antonio is $255,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $35,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Maryland averages 0.99%.