Is Baltimore, MD cheaper or more expensive than Philadelphia, PA?

Baltimore, MD (RPP 102.4) is more expensive than Philadelphia, PA (RPP 100.7) by about 1.7%.

What salary do I need in Baltimore, MD if I earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA?

You would need approximately $101,688 in Baltimore, MD to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA. Formula: $100,000 x (102.4 / 100.7).

Which metro had stronger net migration, Philadelphia, PA or Baltimore, MD?

For 2021-2022, Philadelphia, PA had a net loss of 19,301 people, while Baltimore, MD had a net loss of 11,489 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

Route comparison

Philadelphia, PA vs Baltimore, MD: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Philadelphia, PA and Baltimore, MD. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Philadelphia, PA

Overall RPP (US=100): 100.7
Housing RPP: 115.8
Goods RPP: 95.5
2-BR median rent: $1,737/mo

Pennsylvania flat income tax 3.07%. Philadelphia city wage tax 3.75% residents.

Baltimore, MD

Overall RPP (US=100): 102.4
Housing RPP: 120.5
Goods RPP: 100.9
2-BR median rent: $1,943/mo

Maryland income tax 2%-5.75% + county piggyback tax. Baltimore city adds 3.2%.

Equivalent salary

Baltimore, MD is more expensive than Philadelphia, PA by about 1.7% (RPP 100.7 to 102.4).

$60,000 in Philadelphia, PA

-> $61,013

in Baltimore, MD

$100,000 in Philadelphia, PA

-> $101,688

in Baltimore, MD

$150,000 in Philadelphia, PA

-> $152,532

in Baltimore, MD

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Migration signal: Philadelphia, PA vs Baltimore, MD

IRS tax-return migration · 2021-2022

Philadelphia, PA

Net people: −19,301
Net rank: #55 of 65
Top origin share: 2%
Top destination share: 2%

Largest source: Mercer County, NJ. Largest destination: Berks County, PA.

Baltimore, MD

Net people: −11,489
Net rank: #51 of 65
Top origin share: 8%
Top destination share: 4%

Largest source: Prince George's County, MD. Largest destination: Prince George's County, MD.

Rent delta: Baltimore, MD is $206/mo higher for HUD FY2024 2-BR FMR than Philadelphia, PA. Housing RPP moves from 115.8 to 120.5.

Migration figures are derived from IRS SOI county-to-county migration data for 2021-2022, mapped to metros via Census CBSA delineation. Small county-to-county flows are IRS-suppressed, so per-metro totals are lower bounds. Source: IRS SOI migration data.

Frequently asked questions

Is Baltimore, MD cheaper or more expensive than Philadelphia, PA?: Baltimore, MD (RPP 102.4) is more expensive than Philadelphia, PA (RPP 100.7) by about 1.7%.
What salary do I need in Baltimore, MD if I earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA?: You would need approximately $101,688 in Baltimore, MD to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA. Formula: $100,000 x (102.4 / 100.7).
Which metro had stronger net migration, Philadelphia, PA or Baltimore, MD?: For 2021-2022, Philadelphia, PA had a net loss of 19,301 people, while Baltimore, MD had a net loss of 11,489 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

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