Baltimore vs Philadelphia: cost of living compared
Philadelphia is 5% cheaper than Baltimore overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA vs 4.75% in MD.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Overall, the cost of living is somewhat higher in Baltimore compared to Philadelphia. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are noticeably more expensive in Baltimore. Other categories like utilities and miscellaneous goods and services also contribute to Baltimore's higher overall cost, while transportation, food, and healthcare costs are quite comparable between the two cities.
Housing
Housing costs present the most significant difference. Buying a home in Baltimore is considerably more expensive than in Philadelphia, with median home prices showing a clear gap. For renters, however, the median cost for a one-bedroom apartment is roughly similar in both metros. Both cities offer a mix of historic rowhouses and newer developments, but the entry point for homeownership is lower in Philadelphia.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses see some variation. State income tax is higher in Maryland, impacting take-home pay for Baltimore residents. Transportation costs are quite close, though Philadelphia is slightly higher. Food and healthcare expenses are nearly identical in both cities. Utilities, however, tend to be more expensive in Baltimore, adding to the daily operational cost of a household there.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both cities offer a rich historical backdrop and a dense, urban environment with access to major East Coast amenities. Philadelphia is known for its extensive public transit network, while Baltimore also has transit options, though many residents rely on personal vehicles. Both experience four distinct seasons, including hot, humid summers and cold winters. Average commute times are quite similar, reflecting busy urban corridors.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, Philadelphia generally offers a more budget-friendly option, largely due to its lower housing costs and more favorable state income tax. While some daily expenses like transportation are slightly higher in Philadelphia, these are often offset by the savings in housing and taxes. Baltimore presents a higher overall cost, primarily driven by its more expensive real estate market and higher utility costs.
| Measure | Baltimore, MD | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 112 |
| Housing index | 100 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 118 | 120 |
| Food index | 105 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 105 |
| Misc index | 105 | 102 |
| Median home price | $348,000 | $298,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Philadelphia home with the True Cost Calculator.