dayblip

San Jose vs Baltimore

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

Compare a different city:

VS

QUICK ANSWER

Baltimore is 49% cheaper than San Jose overall.San Jose has a cost of living index of 210 vs Baltimore at 107 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing San Jose costs 65% more.

Pierre
Built by Pierre — MBA, Business Strategist & AI Consultant, Founder of DayblipAbout the author →
San Jose
CA
210
COLI index
VS
Baltimore
MD
107
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategorySan JoseBaltimoreDifference
Overall COLI210107-49%
Housing398138-65%
Groceries118105-11%
Transport116107-8%
Healthcare107104-3%
Utilities120115-4%

Median 1BR Rent

San Jose
$2,850/mo
Baltimore
$1,550/mo

Median Home Price

San Jose
$1,380,000
Baltimore
$195,000

Median Household Income

San Jose
$130,890
Baltimore
$55,198

Share Your Result

Surprised by this number? Share it with friends and family

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore is cheaper to live in overall. San Jose has a cost of living index of 210 while Baltimore has an index of 107, where 100 represents the US national average. Baltimore is 49% cheaper than San Jose overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in San Jose is $2,850 per month compared to $1,550 in Baltimore. The median home price in San Jose is $1,380,000 versus $195,000 in Baltimore. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

San Jose has a cost of living index of 210 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 Jose, multiply by 0.51. For example a $75,000 salary in San Jose is equivalent to approximately $38,214 in Baltimore.

San Jose has a median household income of $130,890 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 Jose to Baltimore is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Baltimore is 49% 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.