Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Baltimore, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 62.3% more expensive than Baltimore, MD. This translates to spending an extra $4670 per month.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in Baltimore, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Baltimore, MD, you'd need approximately $206,037.736 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baltimore, MD and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 141.7% more expensive than in Baltimore, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,770/month in Baltimore, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Baltimore, MD to Seattle, WA?

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $4670 more per month than Baltimore, MD, or $56038 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baltimore, MD vs Seattle, WA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Baltimore, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.7K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $206.0K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↑ 62.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,670

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$56.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Baltimore, MD

Population:586K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$218K

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

162

(62% above avg)

Median Home:$808K

Baltimore, MD

The Old Line State

586K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 586K residents.

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baltimore, MD vs Seattle, WA

Category	Baltimore, MD	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,118/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $4,418more	141.7%
Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $519more	37.6%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $268more	15.7%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$824/mo	↑ $235more	40.0%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$481/mo	↓ $126less	20.7%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $9.99less	0.9%

Housing

↑ 141.7%

Baltimore, MD

$3,118

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$4,418

Transportation

↑ 37.6%

Baltimore, MD

$1,380

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$519

Other

↑ 15.7%

Baltimore, MD

$1,707

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$268

Healthcare

↑ 40.0%

Baltimore, MD

$589

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$235

All Utilities

↓ 20.7%

Baltimore, MD

$607

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$126

less

Groceries

↓ 0.9%

Baltimore, MD

$1,089

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$9.99

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Baltimore, MD: Baltimore City Income Tax$4,800/yr (3.2%)

Seattle, WA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,270

To$2,180

↑ $910

1 Bed

From$1,450

To$2,260

↑ $810

2 Bed

From$1,770

To$2,630

↑ $860

3 Bed

From$2,280

To$3,440

↑ $1,160

Baltimore, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,790/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,490

Monthly in Baltimore, MD

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$5,305

Difference

Home Values

Baltimore

Seattle

$218K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +20%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$72K - $469K

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 271% more expensive than Baltimore

Calculate payment - Baltimore Calculate payment - Seattle

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$605

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.8%

Rate difference

Baltimore, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Baltimore, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.