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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Baltimore is 42% cheaper than Kent.

$1,290/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 42%
$59,623/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 52%
$219,300 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 145%
$1,333/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 44%
577,193
Population
135,015

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $543/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $6,516/year.

Median household income is $30,793/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Kent — common questions

Is Baltimore or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Kent?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $543/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Kent?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $30,793/year higher in Kent.
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 Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Kent details →

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