San Diego, California and Baltimore, Maryland, are two diverse cities offering unique experiences for residents and visitors alike. Each city has its perks and drawbacks, which can greatly influence the decision for relocation or a visit. This comprehensive comparison will highlight the major aspects of living in each city, focusing on aspects like crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries and occupations, biggest employers, real estate, neighborhoods, transportation, taxes, culture, sports, geographical conditions, and healthcare facilities.
Distance between
San Diego, CA and
Baltimore, MD : 2,288.9 miles
San Diego's population is larger by 140%. Its population has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) since 2000. The population of Baltimore has decreased by 74,656 people (11.5%) during that time.
San Diego is considered safer than Baltimore, with overall crime rates lower in both violent and property crimes. Baltimore has struggled with a high crime rate over the years, often ranking among the highest in the nation. However, it's notable that highly touristic areas and affluent neighborhoods in both cities generally experience fewer crimes.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,333 registered sex offenders living in San Diego and 1,558 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Diego is 1,055 to 1; the ratio in Baltimore is 395 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in San Diego than in Baltimore.
Cost of Living
Living in San Diego is generally more expensive than in Baltimore. Everything from housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation costs tend to be higher in San Diego. However, salaries and wages in San Diego are typically higher to align with the cost of living.
Income Tax
California income taxes are progressive and peak at a higher rate of 13.3% for the wealthiest residents, whereas Maryland's top income tax rate is 5.75%. In addition, Baltimore has a local income tax of 3.2%.
Property Tax
Property taxes are generally lower in California compared to Maryland. However, the property values in San Diego tend to be much higher, which could lead to higher actual costs in dollars.
Sales Tax
California has a higher state sales tax than Maryland. In San Diego, the combined city and state sales tax rate is 7.75%. Baltimore's combined rate is 6%.
Income
Type
San Diego
Baltimore
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$54,652
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$35,091
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
105.7
If you make $50,000 in Baltimore, you will have to make $59,792 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Diego is coastal and offers beaches, canyons, and mountains within a short drive. Baltimore is also located by the water, with the Chesapeake Bay nearby, but it lacks the varied topography of San Diego.
Both cities have excellent universities and schools. San Diego has top institutions like the University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University. Baltimore is home to prestigious educational institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Loyola University Maryland.
Both cities have robust economies, though they focus on different sectors. San Diego's economy is driven by military/defense, tourism, international trade, and research. Baltimore's economy is strongly linked to health and sciences, stimulated by John Hopkins Hospital and it's proximity to Washington D.C.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in San Diego include the US Navy, UC San Diego, and Qualcomm. In Baltimore, the biggest employers are John Hopkins Institutions, University of Maryland, and MedStar Health.
There were 539 building permits issued in San Diego in 2012 (88 more than in 2011) compared to 191 building permits issued in Baltimore in 2012 (116 more than in 2011).
In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Baltimore (Baltimore city), 87.4% voted for Democrats and 11.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Diego
Baltimore
San Diego
Baltimore
San Diego
Baltimore
2020
60.3%
87.5%
37.5%
10.7%
2.1%
1.8%
2016
56.3%
84.8%
36.6%
10.5%
7.1%
4.6%
2012
52.6%
87.4%
45.0%
11.1%
2.4%
1.4%
2008
54.2%
87.6%
44.0%
11.7%
1.8%
0.6%
2004
46.7%
82.5%
52.9%
17.1%
0.4%
0.5%
2000
45.8%
82.9%
49.8%
14.2%
4.5%
2.9%
1996
44.1%
79.3%
45.6%
15.5%
10.3%
5.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
Baltimore
San Diego
Baltimore
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
11.0%
6.7%
8.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
1.4%
12.0%
7.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.6%
1.1%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
2.0%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.6%
2.0%
4.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
1.0%
2.0%
4.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.2%
1.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
1.4%
1.5%
2.2%
Weather
San Diego is known for its mild, sunny weather year-round, with temperatures rarely dipping below 50°F in winter or above 85°F in the summer. Baltimore experiences a more varied climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, damp winters, and is more prone to seasonal weather changes than San Diego.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
Baltimore
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
54.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
36%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
42.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
39.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
17.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
60.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
63%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
47%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
7.9 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in Baltimore, Maryland
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
Baltimore
San Diego
Baltimore
San Diego
Baltimore
San Diego
Baltimore
San Diego
San Diego
Baltimore
San Diego
Baltimore
San Diego
Baltimore
2018
101
89
0.53
0.23
11.2
11.8
32.6
28.3
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.5
7.9
0.1
0.1
2017
115
89
0.63
0.25
12.7
12.1
32.7
27.7
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
8.2
0.1
0.2
2016
105
102
0.46
0.26
13.0
13.0
30.4
28.3
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
7.7
0.1
0.3
2015
111
89
0.43
0.28
13.2
12.4
29.9
28.3
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
9.5
0.1
0.4
2014
105
82
0.44
0.25
11.6
11.8
31.1
25.7
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
10.9
0.1
0.6
2013
138
86
0.50
0.22
12.4
10.7
27.4
25.6
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
9.6
0.2
0.5
2012
110
98
0.53
0.24
12.7
11.3
28.0
25.0
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.6
11.2
0.2
0.5
2011
122
101
0.51
0.24
13.5
12.5
29.0
25.1
0.034
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.0
12.1
1.5
0.8
2010
109
110
0.52
0.24
14.0
13.1
29.3
26.9
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
12.2
1.0
1.0
2009
121
84
0.64
0.23
15.6
12.2
26.9
23.5
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
10.4
2.7
1.4
2008
127
96
0.71
0.25
16.1
13.6
28.4
21.6
N/A
N/A
67.3
N/A
N/A
12.8
2.6
1.8
2007
157
107
0.71
0.21
16.4
13.8
28.0
23.2
0.012
N/A
64.6
N/A
N/A
14.0
2.8
2.5
2006
123
112
0.81
N/A
18.9
12.0
27.1
24.6
0.056
N/A
64.8
N/A
N/A
14.7
3.4
N/A
2005
112
111
0.90
N/A
19.2
14.3
24.4
26.3
0.049
N/A
N/A
23.0
N/A
17.1
3.7
N/A
2004
120
108
0.93
N/A
18.4
15.3
25.9
28.0
0.055
N/A
N/A
23.1
N/A
16.3
4.6
N/A
2003
124
110
0.88
N/A
19.4
17.8
25.4
22.4
0.049
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
3.8
N/A
2002
125
119
0.86
N/A
20.9
17.4
25.9
19.4
0.039
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
3.6
5.8
2001
132
104
0.93
N/A
20.4
18.2
26.5
23.9
0.048
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
6.0
2000
134
101
1.02
N/A
22.3
17.0
23.8
22.4
0.054
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
6.3
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
Baltimore
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
117.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
40.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
0%
Transportation
Both cities offer public transportation options. San Diego has a trolley system, buses, and Commuter Trains. Baltimore's transportation system includes a subway, light rail, and buses. Traffic in San Diego can be intense, while Baltimore has lower levels of congestion.
Transport
Type
San Diego
Baltimore
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
852
136
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
Baltimore
Bicycle
0.6%
0.4%
Bus
2%
6.2%
Carpooled
9.4%
7.3%
Car alone
81.7%
77.2%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0%
Railroad
0.5%
0.3%
Streetcar
0%
1.2%
Subway
0.1%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.7%
Walked
3.6%
4.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
Baltimore
Average
27.4 min
32.3 min
Other means
22.7 min
26.3 min
Public transportation
45.7 min
46.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Diego
Baltimore
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
89.5%
90.7%
In 2 person carpool
7.6%
7.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is significantly more expensive in San Diego than in Baltimore. This impacts both rental prices and house ownership opportunities, which are more affordable in Baltimore.
Neighborhoods
San Diego's neighborhoods often boast unique coastal charm, with many offering beach access and stunning ocean views. Baltimore's neighborhoods are more diverse, ranging from the upscale Harbor East to the historic and charming Mount Vernon.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
Baltimore
Houses
555,456
293,487
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.4
Median year apartment built
1980
1959
Median year house/condo built
1977
1944
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
254,370 (86.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
123,249 (48.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
131,121 (51.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$1,254
Median monthly housing costs
$2,044
$1,196
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$207,303
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
$193,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
5.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$321,473
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$218,934
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$529,375
$142,945
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$543,091
$257,173
Median house price - mobile homes
$134,064
$269,877
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$219,865
$91,531
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$696,014
$210,096
Median house price - All housing units
$941,291
$246,241
Median house age
42
72
Renting percentage
51.7%
52.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
3,632.1
House value disparities
23.6%
38.5%
Household income disparities
42.3%
49.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,584
$85,990
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,588
$53,334
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
2,415 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
5,740 (6.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
84,578 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
579 (0.7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
8,544 (9.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
5.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Diego
Baltimore
One, detached
43.4%
16.4%
One, attached
9.9%
49.5%
Two
1.9%
4.5%
3 or 4
6.0%
4.9%
5 to 9
9.3%
5.5%
10 to 19
7.4%
4.8%
20 to 49
6.3%
2.8%
50 or more
14.6%
11.4%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
39,709
12,671
State government workers
29,438
20,410
Unpaid family workers
808
356
Industries and Occupations
San Diego is renowned for its thriving biotech, defense, and tourism industries, offering many opportunities in these fields. Baltimore, on the other hand, is a hub for healthcare, biosciences, information technology, and manufacturing.
Both cities have world-class healthcare facilities. San Diego boasts institutions like UC San Diego Health, while Baltimore is home to the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Diego
Baltimore
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Diego's infrastructure is modern and well-maintained, thanks to its relatively younger city status in comparison to Baltimore. Baltimore, on the other hand, has historic and ageing infrastructure, but offers more architectural diversity and historical charm.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
Baltimore
Hospitals
26
45
TV stations
13
19
Arenas or stadiums
4
3
Bank branches located here
255
215
Bank institutions located here
40
44
Main business address for public companies
92
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
13
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Diego
Baltimore
1999
3,865
2,486
2000
2,257
2,058
2001
1,754
1,371
2002
2,118
1,111
2003
5,074
1,526
2004
7,646
2,929
2005
8,409
4,981
2006
7,551
5,533
2007
5,741
3,592
2008
2,876
1,111
2009
1,675
381
Culture and Food
San Diego's unique Southern California culture includes a fusion of American and Mexican influences, seen especially in its food scene. Baltimore offers a more traditional American experience and is particularly known for its excellent seafood, especially its crab cakes.
Sports Teams
Both cities have a significant sports culture. San Diego residents enjoy baseball with the Padres and football with the Chargers. Baltimore is home to the NFL's Ravens and MLB's Orioles.
San Diego, CA
Baltimore, MD
San Diego, CA and 
Baltimore, MD : 2,288.9 miles
