Moving from Baltimore, MD to Philadelphia, PA
The 104 mi from Baltimore to Philadelphia translate to about 2h 18m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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 Β· 2h 18m by car Β· PA β DE β MD
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β DE β MD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 495, US 202 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Baltimore | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.487 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 110.215 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.353 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 118.194 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Philadelphia and Baltimore are close on the overall BEA RPP (104.487 vs 102.554); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Philadelphia typical home at $231,815 is 1.8% above Baltimore at $188,101 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Baltimore -1.1%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Baltimore | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.7" | 50.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 59.1Β°F vs 57.7Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Philadelphia sees 16.1 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Baltimore | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $59,623 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.36 |
Household income lines up β $59,623 vs $60,698 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Maryland and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- Winter gear first: Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Philadelphia averages 50.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Baltimore?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 1.8% lower than Baltimore (102.554 vs 104.487, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Baltimore vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $59,623 in Baltimore β a 1.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Baltimore, MD?
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.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Baltimore?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $188,101 in Baltimore β a 23.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% 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 β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to Baltimore?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 1,304,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Baltimore.
City profiles: Baltimore, MD Β· Philadelphia, PA.