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San Diego vs Baltimore

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Baltimore is 34% cheaper than San Diego overall.San Diego has a cost of living index of 163 vs Baltimore at 107 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing San Diego costs 53% more.

Pierre
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San Diego
CA
163
COLI index
VS
Baltimore
MD
107
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategorySan DiegoBaltimoreDifference
Overall COLI163107-34%
Housing295138-53%
Groceries113105-7%
Transport114107-6%
Healthcare106104-2%
Utilities121115-5%

Median 1BR Rent

San Diego
$2,350/mo
Baltimore
$1,550/mo

Median Home Price

San Diego
$870,000
Baltimore
$195,000

Median Household Income

San Diego
$83,454
Baltimore
$55,198

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Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore is cheaper to live in overall. San Diego has a cost of living index of 163 while Baltimore has an index of 107, where 100 represents the US national average. Baltimore is 34% cheaper than San Diego overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in San Diego is $2,350 per month compared to $1,550 in Baltimore. The median home price in San Diego is $870,000 versus $195,000 in Baltimore. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

San Diego has a cost of living index of 163 and Baltimore has an index of 107, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in San Diego, multiply by 0.66. For example a $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to approximately $49,233 in Baltimore.

San Diego has a median household income of $83,454 per year versus $55,198 in Baltimore. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from San Diego to Baltimore is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Baltimore is 34% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.