Median rent is 31% lower in Baltimore ($1,290/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Baltimore, where the median home runs $219,300 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $59,623 a year). Taken together, Baltimore is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.4 against 113.3 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Baltimore is 10% cheaper overall
Cost index: 102.4 in Baltimore vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Baltimore, MD
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Baltimore, MD?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$82,974
You'd need $7,974 more (11% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Baltimore
Maryland
Los Angeles
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Baltimore — median rent of $1,290/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 31% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $219,300 in Baltimore — 75% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Maryland's top income tax rate is 5.75% versus 13.30% in California, so Baltimore is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Maryland and 7.25% in California; Baltimore has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Baltimore
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Baltimore has cleaner air on average: 53.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.4 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,290/mo median).
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 53.0).
Is Baltimore cheaper than Los Angeles?
Baltimore is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in Baltimore.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,290/mo in Baltimore, MD and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Baltimore, MD has the lower rent by about 31%.
Which has higher salaries — Baltimore or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore, MD and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Baltimore, MD has better air quality on average: 53.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Baltimore or Los Angeles?
Maryland's top income tax rate is 5.75% and California's is 13.30%. Baltimore, MD has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Baltimore income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Baltimore, MD is equivalent to roughly $110,632 in Los Angeles, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology