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

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Should you visit Baltimore or Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Baltimore or Philadelphia?

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.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the fourth largest urban area, and the fifth largest city in the United States. It's located in southeastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history, having once been the capital of the United States. The city has very impressive architecture, museums, universities, and entertainment venues. It's a cultural and artistic center for the country and it continues to climb as a top travel destination.

Which place is cheaper, Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia is $188. 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.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Philadelphia $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Philadelphia $238
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Philadelphia

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.

Hotels in Baltimore


Hotels in Philadelphia


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 Philadelphia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Philadelphia $28

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
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $62
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Arrival Private Transfer Baltimore Airport BWI to Baltimore by Business Vehicle: $74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia

Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Philadelphia Airport (PHL): Private Transfer to Philadelphia: $349
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Philadelphia Airport (PHL): $50
  • Private Departure Transfer to Philadelphia Airport (PHL): $50
  • Sedan Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Train Station: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Philadelphia?

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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Baltimore $46
    Philadelphia $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: $73
  • 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

Typical Food prices in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for 3)
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Locals' Favorites Food Tour: $52
  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $52
  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $65
  • Italian Market Food Tour - Small Group Walking Tour: $69
  • Best of Philadelphia Food Tour - Small Group Walking Tour: $69
  • 9th Street Italian Market Walking Food Tour: $69
  • Chef-Led Taste of the Italian Market Food Tour: $75
  • Secret Food Tours Philadelphia w/ Private Tour Option: $81
  • Secret Food Tour: $82
  • Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $83
  • Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $85
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $18
    Philadelphia $28

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

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

  • 3-Day Tour Shenandoah, Great Smoky National Parks from D.C: $481
  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Baltimore Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Baltimore Harbor Tour: $31
  • Baltimore Helicopter Sightseeing Tour: $182
  • Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $92
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Self-Driving Audio Guided Tour: $15
  • Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise: $73
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $55
  • Baltimore's Historical Sightseeing Tour: $37

Typical Entertainment prices in Philadelphia

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Big Bus Tour (family of 3)
    $99

Tours and Activities in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Art and Controversy: An audio tour of Philadelphia's most infamous art scandals: $5.40
  • Philadelphia's Lost Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.40
  • Philadelphia Architecture: Discover Every American Style on a GPS Audio Tour: $7.55
  • Historic Self-Guided Tour with GPS & Audio: $8.00
  • Road to Revolution GPS Walking Audio Tour: $8.99
  • The Road to Revolution: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Philadelphia: $8.99
  • Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
  • Historic Philadelphia Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Rocky Movie Locations Tour - App guided: $9.99
  • Faith & Liberty Discovery Center Entry Ticket: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Philadelphia by Operation City Quest: $10
  • In-App Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baltimore $17
    Philadelphia $21

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
  • Baltimore Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175

Sample the Local Flavors in Philadelphia

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

  • Philadelphia Band, Brewery, and Beer Garden Evening Trolley Tour: $44
  • Beer, Band, Brewery & Beer Garden Tour: $44
  • Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
  • History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $50
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $120

How are these travel costs calculated?

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.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is bigger, and its population is about 2.5 times larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the population of Baltimore vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Baltimore or Philadelphia?

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.

Should I visit Baltimore or Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Philadelphia. 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Philadelphia 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Philadelphia 56°F (14°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Baltimore during the winter are popular places to visit. 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Philadelphia 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Philadelphia. 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Philadelphia 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Baltimore

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)


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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.
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Baltimore vs. Philadelphia Travel Comparison

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