Baltimore is a historic city known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Baltimore that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Baltimore?
You should plan to spend around $217 per day on your vacation in Baltimore. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $79 on meals
- $21 on local transportation
- $187 on hotels
A one week trip to Baltimore for two people costs, on average, $3,038. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,519
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2 Weeks
Per person
$3,038
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One Month
Per person
$6,510
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One Week
For a couple
$3,038
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,076
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One Month
For a couple
$13,020
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Baltimore cost?
A one week trip to Baltimore usually costs around $1,519 for one person and $3,038 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Baltimore on average costs around $3,038 for one person and $6,076 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Baltimore will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Baltimore on average costs around $6,510 for one person and $13,020 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Baltimore expensive to visit?
Baltimore is a popular city among visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
Baltimore has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $109 per day, mid-range travelers spend $217 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $426 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Baltimore.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Baltimore is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Berkeley or Fort Lauderdale.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Baltimore Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Baltimore?
The average Baltimore trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Baltimore travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Baltimore cost?
Baltimore on a Budget
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Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$40
|
$93
|
$197
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8.75
|
$21
|
$50
|
|
Food 2
|
$34
|
$79
|
$167
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7.81
|
$18
|
$34
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-11
|
$9-26
|
$16-49
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit Baltimore on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $109 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
In addition, the city provides solid public transit, making it easier for budget travelers to skip costly taxi or Uber fares. While food is a highlight for many in Baltimore, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Baltimore, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $217 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Baltimore. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Baltimore Marriott Waterfront is a great choice for kids, and Hotel Revival Baltimore A Joie de Vivre Hotel is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Baltimore hotel costs guide.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $426 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Baltimore
The cost of hotels in Baltimore can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $129, but the demand in peak summer season pushes that average to around $241. Budget hotels range from $90 to $375, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Baltimore for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $187. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $93 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Baltimore? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Baltimore include:
- 1840s Carrollton Inn starting at $194
- Baltimore Marriott Waterfront starting at $179
- Hotel Revival Baltimore A Joie de Vivre Hotel starting at $142
- Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown starting at $146
- Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel starting at $174
The great public transit system in Baltimore gives you the option to stay outside the city, but keep in mind that while it may save you on lodging, it could cost more in transit.
Baltimore is family-friendly, so finding a larger apartment or more spacious accommodation is ideal when traveling with children.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of summer) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
Exploring Baltimore on foot is popular among many, so consider staying in a central area. Just keep in mind that this might lead to higher prices.
Transportation Budget in Baltimore
In Baltimore, the public transportation system is excellent. 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. For quick and affordable travel, use public transit, though taxis and rideshares are available for convenience.
Explorers who prefer to walk will have a fantastic time here. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $21 per person, per day, on local transportation in Baltimore. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Baltimore is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$21
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only for $160 details
- Airport Transfer Downtown Baltimore to BWI Airport for $160 details
- Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI for $60 details
How much does it cost to go to Baltimore? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Baltimore will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Baltimore
The food scene in Baltimore is incredible, so be sure to spend time tasting all the local dishes. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Baltimore can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Baltimore is $79 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$79
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Baltimore is around $79 ($79) per person, with previous travelers spending from $34 to $167. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Baltimore are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $24
- Lunch: $12 to $32
- Dinner: $24 to $56
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $12
Restaurants in Baltimore are excellent and diverse. Fresh seafood is common throughout the city and crab cakes are a favorite as are the area's famous blue crabs. Steamed crabs can make a fun feast with family and friends. They are often served with steamed shrimp, corn on the cob, and beer. Another interesting local specialty in Baltimore is the pit beef sandwich. This is a slow roasted barbecue sandwich that is served on a kaiser roll with onions and horseradish. Baltimore Lake Trout is another common dish. The white fish is lightly breaded and served as a sandwich.
Good neighborhoods in Baltimore to grab a bite to eat include Lexingtom Market, Canton Square, Little Italy, and Hampden.
When you have kids in tow, look for eateries that feature a kids' menu. This can save you a lot, as those meals are usually priced lower. Keep in mind that some restaurants may not list kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your server before placing your order.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Instead of buying drinks, carry a water bottle with you. It's also a good choice for the planet.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Baltimore. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise for $133 details
- Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour for $77 details
- Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore for $78 details
Typical food prices in Baltimore, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Baltimore
It's no surprise that Baltimore sees many visitors since it offers museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Baltimore typically cost an average of $18 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$18
Many visitors head straight to the Inner Harbor. This area is a must-see for any visitor to the city. There is plenty of shopping, dining and music in the area. This is also where you will find the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and the American Visionary Arts Museum.
Other popular sights around town include Fort McHenry, the Maryland Zoo, and the Baltimore Museum of Art.
One fun experience to have in Baltimore is to go to a Baltimore Orioles game at Camden Yards. It's a quintessential experience for the area and you can often get tickets the day of for a very reasonable price, although your seats may not be good.
Festivals are common around town as well. Some of the city's festivals include Artscap, Afram, the Maryland Film Fest, Otakon, StoneSoul, Baltimore Pride, and the Maryland Deathfest.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Baltimore are some of the most famous in the world. 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.
Shopping:
Shopping in this area is a must-do experience. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Baltimore is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Heart of Savory Salisbury Foodie Tour for $119 details
- Baltimore's Private Cultural Tour for $200 details
- Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure for $21 details
Nightlife Budget in Baltimore
The nightlife experience in Baltimore is both fun and vibrant, with visitors enjoying nights out at local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $17 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Baltimore per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
When you're out at night and drinking, be aware of what's going on around you. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so it's safest to stay in groups.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Baltimore. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours for $30 details
- Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl for $23 details
- Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl for $28 details
Travel cost data last updated: Oct 25, 2023
Traveling in Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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.
The city's climate is humid subtropical and there are four different seasons. Winters are cool with occasional snow. Spring and fall are warm and comfortable, but rain is not uncommon during the spring months. Summers are hot and humid and thunderstorms are frequent, particularly during the early evening.
Neighborhoods & Around
Baltimore's main areas are the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, Downtown, Midtown, South Baltimore, North Baltimore, Southeast Baltimore, West Baltimore and East Baltimore.
The most popular tourist area in Baltimore is the Inner Harbor area, which has many of the city's museums, restaurants, bars, and the National Aquarium. It's a fun place to walk around, but most of the restaurants and bars are targeted specifically at tourists, and there are a large number of chain restaurants immediately off the Inner Harbor. The area does have some great festivals and events however, and it's a great place to walk around the water. Fells Point is a better area to enjoy a local restaurant and grab a drink in a bar. It's also home to Baltimore's Little Italy area. The Downtown area has the University of Maryland at Baltimore and Lexington Market.
Most of the city's best hotels are in the Inner Harbor area. As a tourist this is also the most convenient place to stay, but it is also the most expensive. If you have access to a car, you'll save yourself some money if you find a hotel further out of town and drive in to the area.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.