Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Baltimore is 66% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,290/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 94%
$59,623/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 171%
$219,300 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 449%
$1,333/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 94%
577,193
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,215/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $14,580/year.

Median household income is $101,677/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Baltimore or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Bellevue?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,215/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Bellevue?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $101,677/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Washington?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Bellevue details →

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