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Baltimore vs Philadelphia: prices, pay and housing
| Baltimore, MD | Philadelphia, PA | |
|---|---|---|
| BEA price parity (U.S. = 100) | 104.5 | 102.6 |
| Average salary, all jobs | $76,370 | $71,730 |
| Median salary, all jobs | $59,070 | $54,310 |
| Average salary adjusted for prices | $73,090 | $69,944 |
| Take-home on the average salary* | $59,140 | $57,090 |
| Typical home value | $405,877 | $390,463 |
| Median household income | $97,300 | $89,273 |
| Home price / household income | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| Metro population | 2,839,409 | 6,241,882 |
*Single filer, federal and state income tax and FICA (2026 rules); city income taxes included where we model them.
Compare with another city or state
Equivalent salary: Baltimore to Philadelphia
To keep the same standard of living when moving from Baltimore to Philadelphia, multiply your salary by 0.982.
| Salary in Baltimore | Same buying power in Philadelphia |
|---|---|
| $50,000 in Baltimore | $49,075 in Philadelphia |
| $75,000 in Baltimore | $73,613 in Philadelphia |
| $100,000 in Baltimore | $98,150 in Philadelphia |
| $150,000 in Baltimore | $147,225 in Philadelphia |
| $200,000 in Baltimore | $196,300 in Philadelphia |
Salaries for common jobs in Baltimore and Philadelphia
| Job | Baltimore | Philadelphia | Adjusted for prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $38,960 | $32,250 | $37,287 / $31,447 |
| Registered Nurses | $99,100 | $101,400 | $94,844 / $98,875 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $33,820 | $31,880 | $32,368 / $31,086 |
| General and Operations Managers | $134,760 | $145,650 | $128,973 / $142,023 |
| Retail Salespersons | $37,320 | $36,970 | $35,717 / $36,049 |
| Cashiers | $34,670 | $32,970 | $33,181 / $32,149 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $43,010 | $43,930 | $41,163 / $42,836 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $40,710 | $39,140 | $38,962 / $38,165 |
| Office Clerks, General | $48,130 | $48,560 | $46,063 / $47,351 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $43,030 | $41,390 | $41,182 / $40,359 |
| Customer Service Representatives | $45,800 | $49,100 | $43,833 / $47,877 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $38,830 | $39,610 | $37,163 / $38,624 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | $50,990 | $50,280 | $48,800 / $49,028 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $60,770 | $62,060 | $58,160 / $60,514 |
| Nursing Assistants | $42,630 | $45,820 | $40,799 / $44,679 |
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Average salary vs. price-adjusted salary
More cost of living comparisons
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Baltimore vs Philadelphia: questions
Is Baltimore more expensive than Philadelphia?
Yes. BEA prices are 104.5 in Baltimore, MD and 102.6 in Philadelphia, PA (U.S. = 100).
What salary do I need in Philadelphia to match $100,000 in Baltimore?
About $98,150, before taxes.
Where do salaries go further, Baltimore or Philadelphia?
Baltimore, MD: once prices are counted, its average salary buys more.
Sources and how to read this page
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas.
- Home values: Zillow Home Value Index; income and population: Census ACS 5-year 2023.
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