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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Baltimore, MD

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

0.0% Baltimore, MD is cheaper overall
1.8% 1.8% more expensive housing
1.9% 1.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Philadelphia
110
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Philadelphia
106
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Philadelphia
112
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Philadelphia
105
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Philadelphia
108
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index108108~Same
Housing110112~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,35010.0% less
Median Home Price$280,000$220,00021.4% less
Groceries106104~Same
Transportation112110~Same
Healthcare105104~Same
Utilities108108~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Baltimore, MD
State Income Tax3.07%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
Baltimore, MD
$58,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Baltimore costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Baltimore585,708

Moving from Philadelphia to Baltimore?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Baltimore is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 1.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Baltimore?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. Maryland has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) 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 Philadelphia to Baltimore?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 compared to $58,000 in Baltimore. 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 Philadelphia vs Baltimore?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Maryland averages 0.99%.