Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Baltimore is 11% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,290/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 5%
$59,623/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↑ 8%
$219,300 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 12%
$1,333/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 15%
577,193
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $4,514/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Baltimore or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $4,514/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Pennsylvania?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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