Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Baltimore, MD
The 104 mi from Philadelphia to Baltimore translate to about 2h 18m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
104 mi · 2h 18m by car · PA → DE → MD
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → DE → MD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 495, US 202 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Philadelphia | Baltimore | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.554 | 104.487 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 114.389 | 110.215 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.833 | 102.353 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.141 | 118.194 | 100.0 |
Baltimore and Philadelphia are close on the overall BEA RPP (102.554 vs 104.487); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 1.9% lower in Baltimore than Philadelphia as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Philadelphia +2.0%, Baltimore -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Philadelphia | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.1" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 50.7" | 43.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 57.7°F vs 59.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US, MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Philadelphia | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,582,432 | 577,193 |
| Median household income | $60,698 | $59,623 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 18.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.3 |
Household income lines up — $60,698 vs $59,623 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Baltimore MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,740 | $46,770 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,980 | $42,010 |
| Management Occupations | 113,490 | $120,070 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 107,080 | $84,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 102,740 | $35,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Maryland
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Maryland's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Baltimore average 90°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Maryland after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Philadelphia vs Baltimore?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,623 in Baltimore vs $60,698 in Philadelphia — a 1.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Baltimore compare to Philadelphia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA vs $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA, on total employment of 1,304,310 and 2,829,560 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Baltimore?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 104 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Baltimore, MD from Philadelphia, PA?
The driving distance is 104 mi and the route typically takes 2h 18m via I 95 and I 495. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Baltimore more expensive than Philadelphia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Baltimore is 1.9% higher than Philadelphia (104.487 vs 102.554, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Baltimore compared to Philadelphia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $188,101 in Baltimore vs $231,815 in Philadelphia — a 18.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Philadelphia.
City profiles: Philadelphia, PA · Baltimore, MD.