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Philadelphia vs Baltimore

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Baltimore is 5% cheaper than Philadelphia overall.Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 113 vs Baltimore at 107 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is overall coli Philadelphia costs 5% more.

Pierre
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Philadelphia
PA
113
COLI index
VS
Baltimore
MD
107
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryPhiladelphiaBaltimoreDifference
Overall COLI113107-5%
Housing145138-5%
Groceries106105-1%
Transport110107-3%
Healthcare105104-1%
Utilities120115-4%

Median 1BR Rent

Philadelphia
$1,700/mo
Baltimore
$1,550/mo

Median Home Price

Philadelphia
$240,000
Baltimore
$195,000

Median Household Income

Philadelphia
$49,127
Baltimore
$55,198

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Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore is cheaper to live in overall. Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 113 while Baltimore has an index of 107, where 100 represents the US national average. Baltimore is 5% cheaper than Philadelphia overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Philadelphia is $1,700 per month compared to $1,550 in Baltimore. The median home price in Philadelphia is $240,000 versus $195,000 in Baltimore. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 113 and Baltimore has an index of 107, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Philadelphia, multiply by 0.95. For example a $75,000 salary in Philadelphia is equivalent to approximately $71,018 in Baltimore.

Philadelphia has a median household income of $49,127 per year versus $55,198 in Baltimore. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Philadelphia to Baltimore is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Baltimore is 5% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in overall coli. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.