Baltimore vs Seattle: cost of living compared
Seattle is 31% more expensive than Baltimore overall. Seattle (WA) has no state income tax; MD tops out around 4.75%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Baltimore to Seattle means a significantly higher cost of living, with Seattle being substantially more expensive overall. The primary driver of this difference is housing, which is dramatically higher in Seattle. Other categories like food, transportation, and healthcare also contribute to Seattle's increased expenses, though to a lesser degree than housing.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast between these two cities. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Seattle, with median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents showing a much bigger gap. Baltimore's housing costs are closer to the national average, while Seattle's are nearly double. Property taxes and insurance costs will also reflect these higher valuations in Seattle.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also differ, though not as dramatically as housing. Seattle has no state income tax, which is a notable financial advantage compared to Baltimore's state income tax. However, transportation, food, and healthcare costs are all somewhat higher in Seattle. Utilities are slightly cheaper in Seattle, but miscellaneous goods and services are more expensive, balancing out some of the other differences.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move reveals distinct lifestyle changes. Baltimore offers a historic East Coast urban experience with distinct seasons, while Seattle provides a Pacific Northwest climate, known for its mild, wet winters and drier summers. Both cities have significant public transit options, but Seattle's hilly terrain and water features shape its urban density and transportation. Baltimore's older housing stock contrasts with Seattle's more modern developments.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between Baltimore and Seattle, the financial impact on a budget is substantial. While Seattle offers the benefit of no state income tax, this is largely overshadowed by its significantly higher housing costs, whether buying or renting. Everyday expenses like food and transportation are also more costly in Seattle, meaning a household will need a considerably larger income to maintain a similar standard of living there.
| Measure | Baltimore, MD | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 155 |
| Housing index | 100 | 192 |
| Transportation index | 118 | 123 |
| Food index | 105 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 105 |
| Misc index | 105 | 118 |
| Median home price | $348,000 | $748,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $2,350/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 33 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Seattle home with the True Cost Calculator.