Which place is cheaper, Philadelphia or Baltimore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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 Philadelphia can help you decide which place is right for you.
Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Baltimore travel costs.
Philadelphia is a historic, cultural, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Philadelphia is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife. See Philadelphia travel costs.
You'll generally find more things to do in Philadelphia than Baltimore. Philadelphia is bigger than Baltimore, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Baltimore is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Philadelphia is well known for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. Also, Philadelphia is famous for The Liberty Bell.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Philadelphia and Baltimore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Philadelphia is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Philadelphia are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.
Philadelphia is well known for its theatre productions. However, Baltimore is not a theatre destination.
Philadelphia has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.
Baltimore is not a theatre destination.
Foodies will find both Baltimore and Philadelphia both to be excellent destinations.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.
Philadelphia has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.
Many people head to Philadelphia for the nightlife scene. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.
Philadelphia is well known for its live music scene. However, Baltimore is not a live music destination.
Music is a popular form of entertainment in Philadelphia. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.
Baltimore is not a live music destination.
Philadelphia is very good for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.
Many people head to Philadelphia to see the old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.
Baltimore does not have a historic old town.
Shopping is a popular activity in both Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Baltimore is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.
Philadelphia is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Baltimore does not offer Christmas activities.
Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Philadelphia. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.
Baltimore does not offer Christmas activities.
Philadelphia is very good for its Christmas markets. However, Baltimore does not offer Christmas markets.
Philadelphia offers some nice Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.
Baltimore does not offer Christmas markets.
Philadelphia is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.
Philadelphia is a beautiful place to visit, too. With its diverse neighborhoods and rich history, this city offers its own type of beauty.
Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.
You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Philadelphia.
Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Philadelphia. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.
Both Baltimore and Philadelphia are notable destinations to visit as a couple.
Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.
Philadelphia is a good city for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.
Baltimore and Philadelphia are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.
It's common for backpackers to visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.
Philadelphia is well known for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.
Philadelphia is very popular with students. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.
Baltimore is not popular with students.
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Public transit in Baltimore can get you to some places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.
Philadelphia is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.
Getting around Philadelphia on foot is easy. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.
Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baltimore and Philadelphia. In our opinion, Philadelphia has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Philadelphia than Baltimore. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Baltimore. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Philadelphia, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Philadelphia than Baltimore. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Philadelphia that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia than Baltimore if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Philadelphia.
In Baltimore, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
People visit Philadelphia because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Baltimore is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.
People visit Philadelphia because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Baltimore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic city of Philadelphia. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Baltimore is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Philadelphia is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $217, while the average daily cost in Philadelphia is $224. 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 Philadelphia in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Baltimore or Philadelphia? 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.
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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Philadelphia 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.
For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Baltimore Expensive? and Is Philadelphia Expensive?.
Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Philadelphia, 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
The summer brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Philadelphia. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Baltimore is around the same temperature as Philadelphia in the summer. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In the summer, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Philadelphia. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Philadelphia and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baltimore in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 56°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Philadelphia and Baltimore during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. Baltimore can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Baltimore is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 32°F (0°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
In the winter, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.
Baltimore usually gets more rain in January than Philadelphia. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Philadelphia. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Baltimore is around the same temperature as Philadelphia in the spring. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Baltimore | Philadelphia | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 32°F (0°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
Mar | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
Apr | 54°F (12°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
May | 64°F (18°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
Jul | 78°F (25°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 56°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
Nov | 47°F (9°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
Dec | 37°F (3°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |