Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than Baltimore, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 4.5% cheaper than Baltimore, MD. This translates to saving $340 per month.

What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA to live like I do in Baltimore, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Baltimore, MD, you'd need approximately $145,924.528 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baltimore, MD and Philadelphia, PA?

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 25.8% cheaper than in Baltimore, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $1,770/month in Baltimore, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Baltimore, MD to Philadelphia, PA?

Moving from Baltimore, MD to Philadelphia, PA could save you approximately $340 per month, or $4075 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baltimore, MD vs Philadelphia, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Baltimore, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $340/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.9K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$340

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Baltimore, MD

Population:586K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$218K

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:

(5% below avg)

Median Home:$241K

Baltimore, MD

The Old Line State

586K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 586K residents.

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baltimore, MD vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	Baltimore, MD	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,118/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $806less	25.8%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.9%
Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,421/mo	↑ $40.98more	3.0%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$607/mo	↑ $18.59more	3.2%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,104/mo	↑ $14.99more	1.4%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$607/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 25.8%

Baltimore, MD

$3,118

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$806

less

Other

↑ 3.9%

Baltimore, MD

$1,707

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$66.96

Transportation

↑ 3.0%

Baltimore, MD

$1,380

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$40.98

Healthcare

↑ 3.2%

Baltimore, MD

$589

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$18.59

Groceries

↑ 1.4%

Baltimore, MD

$1,089

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$14.99

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Baltimore, MD

$607

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Baltimore, MD: Baltimore City Income Tax$4,800/yr (3.2%)

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

Net difference+$825/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,270

To$1,280

↑ $10.00

1 Bed

From$1,450

To$1,390

↓ $60.00

2 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,660

↓ $110

3 Bed

From$2,280

To$1,990

↓ $290

Baltimore, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,790/mo

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,490

Monthly in Baltimore, MD

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$664

Difference

Home Values

Baltimore

Philadelphia

$218K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +20%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$72K - $469K

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 11% more expensive than Baltimore

Calculate payment - Baltimore Calculate payment - Philadelphia

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$221

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

Rate difference

Baltimore, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Baltimore, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.