A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Baltimore vs. Boston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Baltimore or Boston?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Boston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Baltimore or Boston?

Baltimore

Baltimore is a large, industrial city and popular tourist destination in the state of Maryland. It is about an hour outside of Washington, D.C. and is a hub of tourism and entertainment for the area. It has a vibrant nightlife, comfortable climate, and is a great place to visit when you're in the area. The city proper has a population of about 600,000 and the metropolitan area has 2.7 million. Its economy is centered around science, technology, engineering and math and it has many undergraduate and graduate schools including the world renowned Johns Hopkins University.

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.

Which place is cheaper, Boston or Baltimore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $181, while the average daily cost in Boston is $251. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Baltimore and Boston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Boston $166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Boston

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore or Boston? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Baltimore


Hotels in Boston


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Boston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Boston $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Private Transfer from Baltimore Port to Baltimore Airport: $41
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $56
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $62
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160

Typical Local Transportation prices in Boston

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) - Private Round trip transfer : $62
  • Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $168
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Arrival Private Transfer: $78
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS): Private Transfer to Boston city: $242
  • Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Flynn Cruise Port to Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS)- Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Flynn Cruiseport Private Transfer to Boston: $682
  • Limo Private Transfer Logan International Airport to Boston: $160
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $38
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Boston Airport BOS: $28
  • Private Departure Transfer to Boston Airport BOS: $28
  • Private Transfer from Boston Airport to Providence RI: $254

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Boston?

Prices for flights to both Boston and Baltimore change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Baltimore $46
    Boston $49
Typical Food prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $58
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $91
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $91
  • Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $99
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Platinum Package - Helicopter Tour with Dinner at Ruth's Chris or Capital Grille: $451

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.

  • Self Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Solo Walking Tour : $5.50
  • Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
  • North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $49
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
  • Boston's North End Food Tour Small Group Walking Tour: $75
  • Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $77
  • Boston's North End: Secret Food Tour: $86
  • The Ultimate Boston Food Tour: $89
  • Ultimate Boston Food Tour: Freedom Trail & North End: $89
  • Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
  • Boston Small-Group Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $99
  • Food Tour to Freedom Trail - Small Group Walking Tour: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $18
    Boston $33

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: $5.00
  • Baltimore Self-Driving Audio Guided Tour: $15
  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour: $15
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Sights and Sips Private City Sightseeing Cruise: $31
  • Inner Harbor Sightseeing Cruise: $31
  • Baltimore Harbor Tour: $31
  • Baltimore's Historical Sightseeing Tour: $37
  • Baltimore Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $55

Typical Entertainment prices in Boston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:

  • Underground Railroad Audio App Self-Guided Tour: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Boston's Beacon Hill Underground Railroad Audio Tour Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Self Guided Audio Tour 'Hawthorne's Haunts' Haunted Walking Tour Salem: $5.00
  • The Ghosts of Boston's Past Haunted Self-guided Tour: $5.00
  • Self Guided "Historic Boston Downtown Freedom Trail" Audio/GPS Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Boston: $5.00
  • Self Guided Classic Freedom Trail Location Aware (GPS) Walking Audio Tour: $5.75
  • Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour w/ App: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem: $5.99
  • Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Tour & Interactive Quiz: $6.99
  • Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour App: $7.99
  • Harborwalk and Tea Party Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baltimore $17
    Boston $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • The Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
  • Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $33
  • 2 Hour Historic Pub Crawl in Boston: $35
  • Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Boston Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $36
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
  • Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
  • Freedom Trail Bar Crawl Smartphone Audio Guide: $72
  • Boston Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Baltimore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Baltimore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Baltimore and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Baltimore.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Boston?

Baltimore is bigger, and its population is about 4% larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the population of Baltimore vs. Boston, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Baltimore or Boston?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Baltimore or Boston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Boston. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Baltimore is generally around the same temperature as Boston. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 78°F (25°C), and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Boston during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Boston. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Boston 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Boston. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Boston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Baltimore is a little warmer than Boston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets less rain in October than Boston. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Boston 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Boston in the Winter?

Both Boston and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

It's quite cold in Boston in the winter. The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. In the winter, Baltimore is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baltimore in January average around 32°F (0°C), and Boston averages at about 29°F (-2°C).

Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Boston during winter. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Boston. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Boston 29°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Baltimore during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Baltimore is generally a little warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 54°F (12°C), and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the spring, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets less rain in April than Boston. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Boston 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Boston and Baltimore

Baltimore Boston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
More City Comparisons
Washington vs. Baltimore
Washington vs. Boston
Clearwater vs. Baltimore
Clearwater vs. Boston
Fort Lauderdale vs. Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale vs. Boston
Gainesville vs. Baltimore
Gainesville vs. Boston
Jacksonville vs. Baltimore
Jacksonville vs. Boston
Miami vs. Baltimore
Miami vs. Boston
Orlando vs. Baltimore
Orlando vs. Boston
Saint Petersburg vs. Baltimore
Saint Petersburg vs. Boston
Tallahassee vs. Baltimore
Tallahassee vs. Boston
Tampa vs. Baltimore
Tampa vs. Boston
Atlanta vs. Baltimore
Atlanta vs. Boston
Savannah vs. Baltimore
Savannah vs. Boston
New Orleans vs. Baltimore
New Orleans vs. Boston
Baltimore vs. Kansas City
Baltimore vs. Saint Louis
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Baltimore vs. Boston Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.