dayblip

Pittsburgh vs Baltimore

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

Compare a different city:

VS

QUICK ANSWER

Baltimore is 20% more expensive than Pittsburgh overall.Pittsburgh has a cost of living index of 89 vs Baltimore at 107 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Baltimore costs 68% less.

Pierre
Built by Pierre — MBA, Business Strategist & AI Consultant, Founder of DayblipAbout the author →
Pittsburgh
PA
89
COLI index
VS
Baltimore
MD
107
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryPittsburghBaltimoreDifference
Overall COLI89107+20%
Housing82138+68%
Groceries101105+4%
Transport98107+9%
Healthcare104104Same
Utilities110115+5%

Median 1BR Rent

Pittsburgh
$1,100/mo
Baltimore
$1,550/mo

Median Home Price

Pittsburgh
$215,000
Baltimore
$195,000

Median Household Income

Pittsburgh
$47,303
Baltimore
$55,198

Share Your Result

Surprised by this number? Share it with friends and family

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in overall. Pittsburgh has a cost of living index of 89 while Baltimore has an index of 107, where 100 represents the US national average. Baltimore is 20% more expensive than Pittsburgh overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Pittsburgh is $1,100 per month compared to $1,550 in Baltimore. The median home price in Pittsburgh is $215,000 versus $195,000 in Baltimore. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Pittsburgh has a cost of living index of 89 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 Pittsburgh, multiply by 1.20. For example a $75,000 salary in Pittsburgh is equivalent to approximately $90,169 in Baltimore.

Pittsburgh has a median household income of $47,303 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 Pittsburgh to Baltimore is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Baltimore is 20% more expensive overall — with the biggest difference in housing. 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.