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Cost of Living: San Francisco, 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.

27.0% Baltimore, MD is cheaper overall
46.7% 46.7% cheaper housing
9.6% 9.6% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 46.7% cheaper
San Francisco
210
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries 9.6% cheaper
San Francisco
115
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 14.1% cheaper
San Francisco
128
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 11.9% cheaper
San Francisco
118
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities ~Same
San Francisco
108
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Francisco, CA Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index14810827.0% less
Housing21011246.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$3,000$1,35055.0% less
Median Home Price$1,250,000$220,00082.4% less
Groceries1151049.6% less
Transportation12811014.1% less
Healthcare11810411.9% less
Utilities108108~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Francisco, 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

San Francisco, CA
$130,000
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 San Francisco lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Francisco (148) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Francisco3.8%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Francisco3.2%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Francisco34 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
San Francisco87
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
San Francisco42
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
San Francisco57°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
San Francisco808,437
Baltimore585,708

Moving from San Francisco to Baltimore?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 46.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $3,000/month in San Francisco and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $1,650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Baltimore?+
Median household income in San Francisco is $130,000 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 Francisco vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in San Francisco is $1,250,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $1,030,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Maryland averages 0.99%.