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

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Baltimore is 7% cheaper than Spokane.

$1,290/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 12%
$59,623/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↑ 10%
$219,300 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$326,200 ↑ 49%
$1,333/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 9%
577,193
Population
229,228

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
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $6,122/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Spokane — common questions

Is Baltimore or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Spokane?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $149/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Spokane?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $6,122/year higher in Spokane.
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 Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Spokane details →

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