San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley, and Baltimore, a historical city on the East Coast, present two contrasting paths of life. Both cities offer unique opportunities, cultural experiences, and lifestyle. This comprehensive comparison between San Jose, California, and Baltimore, Maryland will provide important insights into different aspects. These include crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, and more.
Distance between
San Jose, CA and
Baltimore, MD : 2,431.8 miles
San Jose's population is larger by 71%. Its population has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) since 2000. The population of Baltimore has decreased by 74,656 people (11.5%) during that time.
San Jose is generally safer than Baltimore. According to FBI data, Baltimore's crime rate is significantly higher than San Jose's, including violent and property crimes. This can impact the quality of life for residents and tourists alike. Both cities have police departments that are committed to improving safety and security.
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 1,806 registered sex offenders living in San Jose and 1,558 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Jose is 568 to 1; the ratio in Baltimore is 395 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Jose than in Baltimore.
Cost of Living
San Jose's cost of living is one of the highest in the nation, primarily due to housing costs. Everything from groceries to health care tend to be more expensive in San Jose as compared to Baltimore. Baltimore, on the other hand, has a relatively affordable cost of living, even in comparison to the national average.
Income Tax
California’s state income tax, affecting San Jose residents, is ranked as the highest in the country, with rates between 1% and 13.3%. On the other hand, Maryland's state income tax ranges from 2% to 5.75%, and Baltimore city residents pay an additional local tax of 3.20%.
Property Tax
Baltimore has a higher property tax rate than San Jose. Baltimore's average property tax rate is about 1.1%, while in San Jose, it's just around 0.78%. Despite the lower rate, San Jose homeowners often pay more in property taxes due to the city's higher housing prices.
Sales Tax
San Jose has a higher sales tax rate than Baltimore, which can affect daily expenses and the overall cost of living. California's state sales tax is 7.25%, and San Jose adds a local tax for a total of 9.25%. In Maryland, the sales tax is 6% statewide, including Baltimore.
Income
Type
San Jose
Baltimore
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$54,652
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$35,091
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
105.7
If you make $50,000 in Baltimore, you will have to make $60,265 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Jose residents enjoy close proximity to both mountains and the seaside, allowing for outdoor activities year-round. Baltimore is located on the Patapsco River close to Chesapeake Bay, with many water-related attractions and activities.
Both cities prioritize education. San Jose is near many high-ranking universities like Stanford and San Jose State University. Baltimore is home to respected institutions like Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland. These opportunities can be attractive to families considering relocation or students seeking higher education.
San Jose's economy is heavily influenced by the tech industry, making it a hub for tech workers and start-ups. Baltimore's economy is more diversified with health care, education, and federal government dominating its job market. Both cities offer strong job prospects depending on your career path.
Biggest Employers
In San Jose, tech giants like Apple, Google, and Cisco Systems are amongst the largest employers. Baltimore's biggest employers are Johns Hopkins University and Health System, and the federal government.
There were 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011) compared to 191 building permits issued in Baltimore in 2012 (116 more than in 2011).
In San Jose (Santa Clara County), 70.0% voted for Democrats and 27.1% 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 Jose
Baltimore
San Jose
Baltimore
San Jose
Baltimore
2020
72.7%
87.5%
25.2%
10.7%
2.1%
1.8%
2016
72.7%
84.8%
20.6%
10.5%
6.7%
4.6%
2012
70.0%
87.4%
27.1%
11.1%
2.9%
1.4%
2008
69.6%
87.6%
28.6%
11.7%
1.8%
0.6%
2004
64.3%
82.5%
34.8%
17.1%
0.9%
0.5%
2000
60.7%
82.9%
34.4%
14.2%
4.9%
2.9%
1996
56.9%
79.3%
32.2%
15.5%
11.0%
5.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Baltimore
San Jose
Baltimore
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
11.0%
6.0%
8.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
0.6%
1.8%
1.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
1.4%
7.7%
7.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
1.6%
2.3%
4.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
2.6%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
1.0%
2.3%
4.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.4%
1.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
1.4%
1.1%
2.2%
Weather
The weather in San Jose is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In contrast, Baltimore experiences all four seasons, with hot and humid summers, cold winters, and a moderate spring and fall. As such, it might be more appealing to those who enjoy a wider variety of seasonal changes.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Baltimore
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
54.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
36%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
42.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
39.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
17.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
60.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
63%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
47%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
7.9 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Baltimore, Maryland
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Baltimore
San Jose
Baltimore
San Jose
Baltimore
San Jose
Baltimore
San Jose
Baltimore
San Jose
Baltimore
San Jose
Baltimore
2018
94
89
0.49
0.23
14.5
11.8
22.2
28.3
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.5
7.9
0.2
0.1
2017
91
89
0.50
0.25
14.6
12.1
23.5
27.7
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
8.2
0.2
0.2
2016
69
102
0.47
0.26
13.7
13.0
22.4
28.3
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
7.7
0.2
0.3
2015
84
89
0.52
0.28
15.4
12.4
22.3
28.3
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
9.5
0.3
0.4
2014
83
82
0.40
0.25
13.9
11.8
21.5
25.7
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
10.9
0.2
0.6
2013
90
86
0.41
0.22
15.2
10.7
20.8
25.6
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
9.6
0.3
0.5
2012
74
98
0.35
0.24
13.3
11.3
21.8
25.0
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.1
11.2
0.3
0.5
2011
83
101
0.37
0.24
14.8
12.5
20.6
25.1
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
12.1
0.3
0.8
2010
88
110
0.35
0.24
14.4
13.1
20.4
26.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.0
12.2
0.4
1.0
2009
89
84
0.40
0.23
14.7
12.2
18.2
23.5
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
10.4
0.3
1.4
2008
100
96
0.45
0.25
16.7
13.6
20.6
21.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.6
12.8
N/A
1.8
2007
92
107
0.44
0.21
16.6
13.8
20.0
23.2
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
14.0
N/A
2.5
2006
100
112
0.46
N/A
18.0
12.0
21.8
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
14.7
N/A
N/A
2005
95
111
0.68
N/A
18.6
14.3
20.0
26.3
N/A
N/A
23.0
N/A
11.6
17.1
N/A
N/A
2004
98
108
0.63
N/A
18.5
15.3
20.4
28.0
N/A
N/A
23.1
N/A
9.9
16.3
N/A
N/A
2003
87
110
0.73
N/A
20.6
17.8
19.1
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
N/A
N/A
2002
78
119
0.65
N/A
19.5
17.4
18.0
19.4
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
5.8
2001
75
104
0.61
N/A
18.5
18.2
16.8
23.9
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.0
2000
65
101
0.66
N/A
18.9
17.0
15.6
22.4
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.3
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Baltimore
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
117.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
40.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
0%
Transportation
Both cities offer various forms of public transportation. San Jose uses the VTA light rail and bus system, as well as Caltrain for commuting to San Francisco. Baltimore's MTA and Charm City Circulator buses cover most of the city, with the MARC train offering connections to Washington D.C.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Baltimore
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
553
136
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Baltimore
Bicycle
1%
0.4%
Bus
1.1%
6.2%
Carpooled
11.4%
7.3%
Car alone
80.5%
77.2%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0%
Railroad
0.2%
0.3%
Streetcar
0%
1.2%
Subway
0.2%
0.2%
Taxicab
0%
0.7%
Walked
3.3%
4.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Baltimore
Average
29.2 min
32.3 min
Other means
27.9 min
26.3 min
Public transportation
48.5 min
46.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Jose
Baltimore
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
87.3%
90.7%
In 2 person carpool
8.9%
7.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
1%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
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 in San Jose is notably more expensive than in Baltimore, with median home prices well above national averages. Baltimore's real estate is more affordable, and its downtown area offers a blend of historic and modern residences.
Neighborhoods
San Jose's neighborhoods are diverse, varying from downtown urban living to suburban communities. Baltimore is known for its distinct neighborhoods like the upscale Inner Harbor and the charming Historic Federal Hill, each with their own unique appeal.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Baltimore
Houses
340,561
293,487
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.4
Median year apartment built
1979
1959
Median year house/condo built
1973
1944
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.6 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
254,370 (86.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
123,249 (48.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
131,121 (51.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$1,254
Median monthly housing costs
$2,463
$1,196
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$207,303
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$193,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
5.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$321,473
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$753,788
$218,934
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$680,453
$142,945
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$688,625
$257,173
Median house price - mobile homes
$240,963
$269,877
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$55,872
$91,531
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$892,629
$210,096
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$246,241
Median house age
45
72
Renting percentage
41.5%
52.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
3,632.1
House value disparities
21.2%
38.5%
Household income disparities
38.3%
49.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$197,583
$85,990
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$103,711
$53,334
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
2,415 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
5,740 (6.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
84,578 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
579 (0.7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
8,544 (9.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
5.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Jose
Baltimore
One, detached
50.9%
16.4%
One, attached
11.5%
49.5%
Two
1.1%
4.5%
3 or 4
5.0%
4.9%
5 to 9
5.1%
5.5%
10 to 19
4.5%
4.8%
20 to 49
4.5%
2.8%
50 or more
14.2%
11.4%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
28,517
12,671
State government workers
10,222
20,410
Unpaid family workers
472
356
Industries and Occupations
The dominant industry in San Jose is tech, with many employees working in software development, system designs, and research. Baltimore's job market spans health care, education, and government, so professional opportunities can widely vary.
Quality healthcare is accessible in both cities. San Jose is served by the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and other top-rated hospitals, while Baltimore is home to world-renowned health institutions like the Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
Baltimore
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Jose has superior infrastructure, with modern and well-maintained roads, bridges, and public buildings. Baltimore, while it boasts historic architecture, struggles with aging infrastructure, although efforts have been made to modernize and improve conditions.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Baltimore
Hospitals
20
45
TV stations
9
19
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
145
215
Bank institutions located here
25
44
Main business address for public companies
74
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
21
13
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Jose
Baltimore
1999
3,839
2,486
2000
2,577
2,058
2001
1,953
1,371
2002
1,908
1,111
2003
3,578
1,526
2004
5,489
2,929
2005
6,994
4,981
2006
6,324
5,533
2007
4,298
3,592
2008
2,419
1,111
2009
1,631
381
Culture and Food
Both cities have a rich food culture. San Jose, with its diverse population, experiences a wonderful mix of culinary styles. Baltimore, known for its seafood, particularly crab cakes, also has a vibrant food scene. Also, both cities are rich in museums, art, music, and theater, offering a wealth of cultural experiences.
Sports Teams
For sports lovers, Baltimore offers teams like the Ravens (NFL) and Orioles (MLB). San Jose boasts teams like the Sharks (NHL), Earthquakes (MLS), and is close to teams like the 49ers (NFL) and Giants (MLB) in nearby cities.
San Jose, CA
Baltimore, MD
San Jose, CA and 
Baltimore, MD : 2,431.8 miles
