Is Baltimore, MD cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Baltimore, MD is 4.7% more expensive than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to spending an extra $356 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $154,268.775 in Baltimore, MD to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Baltimore, MD is 34.8% more expensive than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,770/month in Baltimore, MD compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

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

Living in Baltimore, MD costs approximately $356 more per month than Philadelphia, PA, or $4269 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Philadelphia, PA vs Baltimore, MD: 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 Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $356/month more in Baltimore, MD

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.3K in Baltimore, MD

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↑ 4.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$356

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.3K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$241K

Baltimore, MD

Population:586K

Cost Index:

105

(5% above avg)

Median Home:$218K

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

Baltimore, MD

The Old Line State

586K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Philadelphia, PA vs Baltimore, MD

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Baltimore, MD	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,313/mo	$3,118/mo	↑ $806more	34.8%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.8%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,380/mo	↓ $40.98less	2.9%
Healthcare	$607/mo	$589/mo	↓ $18.59less	3.1%
Groceries	$1,104/mo	$1,089/mo	↓ $14.99less	1.4%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$607/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↑ 34.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Baltimore, MD

$3,118

Difference

$806

Other

↓ 3.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Baltimore, MD

$1,707

Difference

$66.96

less

Transportation

↓ 2.9%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Baltimore, MD

$1,380

Difference

$40.98

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.1%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Baltimore, MD

$589

Difference

$18.59

less

Groceries

↓ 1.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Baltimore, MD

$1,089

Difference

$14.99

less

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Baltimore, MD

$607

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

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

Net difference-$825/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,280

To$1,270

↓ $10.00

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,450

↑ $60.00

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,770

↑ $110

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,280

↑ $290

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/mo

Baltimore, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,790/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$8,490

Monthly in Baltimore, MD

$664

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Baltimore

$241K

Median Value

$218K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.6%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +20%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$72K - $469K

Homes in Baltimore are 10% less expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Baltimore

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.7K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$221

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Baltimore, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

💡 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.