Is San Francisco, CA or Baltimore, MD cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

Baltimore, MD leaves you more: $41,895/yr. On $120,000, San Francisco, CA leaves $22,144/yr in pocket (state tax $11,160, housing $57,116) vs Baltimore, MD's $64,039 (state tax $6,000, housing $20,381).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (California: 9.30% vs Maryland: 5%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › San Francisco, CA vs Baltimore, MD

San Francisco, CA vs Baltimore, MD: cost of living on $120,000

Baltimore, MD +$41,895/yr On $120,000, San Francisco, CA leaves $22,144/yr in pocket vs Baltimore, MD's $64,039 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	San Francisco, CA	Baltimore, MD
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$11,160 (9.30%)	$6,000 (5%)
After-tax income	$79,260	$84,420
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$57,116	$20,381
Real money in pocket	$22,144	$64,039

Verified 2026-08-07 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-06.

Talk to a local agent →Moving supplies →

FAQ

Is San Francisco, CA or Baltimore, MD cheaper?: On $120,000, Baltimore, MD — by $41,895/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (California 9.30% vs Maryland 5%) and housing cost.

🏠 Where can I afford a house?
Your salary → every metro you can buy in.🔥 FIRE by town
Your portfolio → which towns retire you today.🧭 Best town for me
Budget + climate + politics → your ranked towns.💵 Take-home comparison
Salary after tax + housing, city vs city.