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Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Pittsburgh, PA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

11.1% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
21.4% 21.4% cheaper housing
3.8% 3.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 21.4% cheaper
Baltimore
112
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 3.8% cheaper
Baltimore
104
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 5.5% cheaper
Baltimore
110
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 5.8% cheaper
Baltimore
104
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 3.7% cheaper
Baltimore
108
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Baltimore, MD Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1089611.1% less
Housing1128821.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,20011.1% less
Median Home Price$220,000$225,0002.3% more
Groceries1041003.8% less
Transportation1101045.5% less
Healthcare104985.8% less
Utilities1081043.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Baltimore, MD Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax5.75% (top)3.07%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.99%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Baltimore, MD
$58,000
Median household income
Pittsburgh, PA
$60,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Pittsburgh outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Pittsburgh to maintain your Baltimore lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Baltimore (108) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Baltimore5.0%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Baltimore1.7%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Baltimore31 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Baltimore67
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Baltimore44
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Baltimore56°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Baltimore585,708
Pittsburgh302,971

Moving from Baltimore to Pittsburgh?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Baltimore and Pittsburgh → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Pittsburgh →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baltimore or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?+
Pittsburgh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 21.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Baltimore and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Baltimore or Pittsburgh?+
Maryland has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Baltimore to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Baltimore is $58,000 compared to $60,000 in Pittsburgh. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Baltimore vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Baltimore is $220,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $5,000. Property tax rates also differ: Maryland averages 0.99% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.