Median rent is 46% lower in Baltimore ($1,331/mo vs $2,476/mo). Buying is cheaper in Baltimore, where the median home runs $229,600 versus $1,394,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($140,970 vs $62,177 a year). Taken together, Baltimore is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.2 against 117.6 — about 12% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Francisco, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Baltimore is 12% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 103.2 in Baltimore vs 117.6 in San Francisco (US national average = 100)
City A
Baltimore, MD
City B
San Francisco, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Francisco, CA to maintain your standard of living from Baltimore, MD?
Equivalent salary in San Francisco, CA
$85,443
You'd need $10,443 more (14% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Baltimore
Maryland
San Francisco
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Baltimore — median rent of $1,331/mo versus $2,476/mo in San Francisco, a 46% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,394,500 versus $229,600 in Baltimore — 84% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Baltimore
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Francisco
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Baltimore (avg AQI 25.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 103.2 vs 117.6).
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($140,970/yr).
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,331/mo median).
Is Baltimore cheaper than San Francisco?
Baltimore is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.2 versus 117.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 12% lower in Baltimore.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs San Francisco?
Median rent is $1,331/mo in Baltimore, MD and $2,476/mo in San Francisco, CA. Baltimore, MD has the lower rent by about 46%.
Which has higher salaries — Baltimore or San Francisco?
Median household income is $62,177 in Baltimore, MD and $140,970 in San Francisco, CA. San Francisco, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Baltimore or San Francisco?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match my Baltimore income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Baltimore, MD is equivalent to roughly $113,924 in San Francisco, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
