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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

Philadelphia and Baltimore have a similar cost of living.

$1,323/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↓ 2%
$60,698/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 2%
$232,400 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$219,300 ↓ 6%
$1,233/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↑ 8%
1,582,432
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,075/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Baltimore — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Baltimore?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $33/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Baltimore?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $1,075/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Maryland?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,290/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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