Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Francisco, CA metro were 115.6 vs 104.5 in Baltimore, MD in 2024 (US = 100), so San Francisco is 10.6% more expensive than Baltimore; housing rents differ by 65% (194.7 vs 118.2). A $75,000 income in San Francisco buys about what $67,782 buys in Baltimore, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | San Francisco | Baltimore | San Francisco vs Baltimore |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 115.6 | 104.5 | +10.6% |
| Goods | 108.5 | 102.4 | +6.0% |
| Housing (rents) | 194.7 | 118.2 | +64.7% |
| Utilities | 172.6 | 110.2 | +56.6% |
| Other services | 106.2 | 101.5 | +4.6% |
| All items, 2008 | 119.1 | 106.4 | +12.0% |
| $50,000 in San Francisco equals in Baltimore | $45,188 | ||
| $100,000 in San Francisco equals in Baltimore | $90,377 | ||
| $150,000 in San Francisco equals in Baltimore | $135,565 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.