Baltimore vs Pittsburgh: cost of living compared
Pittsburgh is 25% 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 in Pittsburgh is noticeably lower than in Baltimore. This difference is largely driven by housing expenses, which are substantially more affordable in Pittsburgh. While other categories like transportation, food, and healthcare also show Pittsburgh as less expensive, the housing market creates the most significant gap in overall spending between the two metros.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast, with both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom being considerably higher in Baltimore. Pittsburgh offers a more budget-friendly entry into homeownership or renting. Baltimore's housing stock often includes historic rowhouses and urban dwellings, while Pittsburgh features a mix of older, established neighborhoods with diverse architectural styles, often at a lower price point.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses, including state income tax, generally favor Pittsburgh. State income tax is lower in Pennsylvania. Transportation costs are also noticeably higher in Baltimore, and while food, healthcare, and utilities are somewhat more expensive there, the differences are not as dramatic as with housing or transportation. This means more discretionary income for everyday spending in Pittsburgh.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a mover would notice differences in climate and pace. Baltimore, closer to the coast, experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, while Pittsburgh has a humid continental climate with colder winters and more distinct seasonal changes. Baltimore is a larger, more densely populated metro with a faster pace, while Pittsburgh, though urban, often feels more compact and can have a slightly slower rhythm. Both offer urban amenities and cultural attractions.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, Pittsburgh generally offers a more economical lifestyle across the board, primarily due to significantly lower housing costs. While Baltimore presents a higher overall cost, it also offers a different urban experience. The decision hinges on whether the substantial savings in Pittsburgh outweigh the higher expenses associated with living in Baltimore, particularly concerning housing and transportation.
| Measure | Baltimore, MD | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 88 |
| Housing index | 100 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 118 | 98 |
| Food index | 105 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 102 |
| Misc index | 105 | 88 |
| Median home price | $348,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Pittsburgh home with the True Cost Calculator.