Phoenix, Arizona's vibrant desert city, and Baltimore, Maryland, a historic metropolis with a rich maritime legacy, are quite different, offering unique amenities for residents and visitors alike. Comparing these two cities involves considering different factors, including crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, and more. Ultimately, your choice between Phoenix and Baltimore would hinge on your personal needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
Baltimore, MD : 1,998.2 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 182%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of Baltimore has decreased by 74,656 people (11.5%) during that time.
Baltimore has a higher crime rate than Phoenix and is considered one of the more dangerous cities in the US. Despite this, Baltimore has many safe neighborhoods like Federal Hill and Canton. Phoenix, while it also has crime, offers a generally safer environment. As in any city, vigilance and common sense should prevail when it comes to personal safety.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,583 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 1,558 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 451 to 1; the ratio in Baltimore is 395 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Phoenix is near to than in Baltimore.
Cost of Living
Phoenix is generally more affordable than Baltimore, especially in areas such as housing and groceries. However, Baltimore offers more opportunities for high income jobs in sectors such as tech, medicine, and government due to its proximity to Washington, D.C.
Income Tax
Arizona offers a lower income tax rate than Maryland, offering potential savings for residents.
Property Tax
Phoenix has a lower property tax rate than Baltimore, making homeownership more affordable for many people.
Sales Tax
Phoenix and Arizona have a higher sales tax than Baltimore and Maryland, which might be a consideration for those planning to make larger purchases.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Baltimore
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$54,652
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$35,091
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
105.7
If you make $50,000 in Phoenix, you will have to make $52,223 in Baltimore to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix sits in the Valley of the Sun, surrounded by mountains and desert, offering numerous outdoor activities. Baltimore sits at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, which significantly influences its climate and offers water-based recreational options.
Both cities have solid educational resources. Baltimore is home to prestigious institutes like Johns Hopkins University. Phoenix has respected institutions like Arizona State University, the largest public university by enrollment in the U.S.
Phoenix has a robust economy with a focus on real estate, education, retail, and healthcare. Baltimore has a more varied economy, with significant sectors being health care, tourism, finance, and the defense industry.
Biggest Employers
In Phoenix, the biggest employers include Banner Health and Walmart. In Baltimore, significant employers include Johns Hopkins University and Hospital, government jobs, and McCormick & Company.
There were 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011) compared to 191 building permits issued in Baltimore in 2012 (116 more than in 2011).
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Baltimore (Baltimore city), 87.4% voted for Democrats and 11.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Phoenix
Baltimore
Phoenix
Baltimore
Phoenix
Baltimore
2020
50.2%
87.5%
48.0%
10.7%
1.8%
1.8%
2016
44.9%
84.8%
47.7%
10.5%
7.5%
4.6%
2012
43.6%
87.4%
54.3%
11.1%
2.1%
1.4%
2008
44.0%
87.6%
54.5%
11.7%
1.5%
0.6%
2004
42.4%
82.5%
57.0%
17.1%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
43.0%
82.9%
53.4%
14.2%
3.6%
2.9%
1996
44.5%
79.3%
47.2%
15.5%
8.2%
5.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Baltimore
Phoenix
Baltimore
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
11.0%
4.3%
8.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
1.4%
6.5%
7.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
1.0%
2.0%
4.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
1.5%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
2.0%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
1.6%
1.3%
4.0%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
1.4%
0.6%
2.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
0.6%
1.0%
1.5%
Weather
Phoenix is known for its dry, hot summers, and mild winters, a typical desert climate. This warm weather is perfect for people who love the heat and outdoor activities year round. On the other hand, Baltimore experiences a more varied four-season climate. The winter is chilly, while the summer can be hot and humid.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Baltimore
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
54.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
36%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
42.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
39.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
17.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
60.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
63%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
47%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
7.9 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Baltimore, Maryland
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Baltimore
Phoenix
Baltimore
Phoenix
Baltimore
Phoenix
Baltimore
Phoenix
Baltimore
Phoenix
Baltimore
Phoenix
Baltimore
2018
156
89
0.38
0.23
15.2
11.8
28.5
28.3
34.8
N/A
8.6
7.9
0.6
0.1
2017
120
89
0.41
0.25
15.9
12.1
28.6
27.7
34.9
N/A
7.6
8.2
1.4
0.2
2016
114
102
0.44
0.26
15.8
13.0
27.3
28.3
30.6
N/A
7.7
7.7
0.4
0.3
2015
102
89
0.46
0.28
17.6
12.4
27.1
28.3
26.2
N/A
7.9
9.5
0.9
0.4
2014
117
82
0.46
0.25
19.6
11.8
27.6
25.7
37.0
N/A
8.5
10.9
1.1
0.6
2013
130
86
0.43
0.22
19.9
10.7
27.9
25.6
35.3
N/A
8.4
9.6
0.9
0.5
2012
157
98
0.44
0.24
21.2
11.3
28.1
25.0
41.9
N/A
8.8
11.2
1.3
0.5
2011
203
101
0.47
0.24
20.0
12.5
28.3
25.1
41.3
N/A
9.6
12.1
0.9
0.8
2010
100
110
0.48
0.24
19.9
13.1
26.9
26.9
31.2
N/A
8.3
12.2
0.9
1.0
2009
108
84
0.52
0.23
20.1
12.2
25.6
23.5
38.2
N/A
N/A
10.4
1.8
1.4
2008
106
96
0.48
0.25
21.4
13.6
26.6
21.6
39.6
N/A
N/A
12.8
2.4
1.8
2007
129
107
0.54
0.21
23.5
13.8
25.2
23.2
47.6
N/A
N/A
14.0
2.4
2.5
2006
131
112
0.66
N/A
25.3
12.0
24.4
24.6
50.8
N/A
N/A
14.7
2.3
N/A
2005
109
111
0.74
N/A
25.9
14.3
22.2
26.3
44.6
23.0
N/A
17.1
2.5
N/A
2004
98
108
0.77
N/A
25.5
15.3
23.4
28.0
32.8
23.1
N/A
16.3
1.4
N/A
2003
101
110
0.90
N/A
26.8
17.8
23.7
22.4
42.6
N/A
N/A
13.9
1.4
N/A
2002
111
119
0.98
N/A
28.7
17.4
23.6
19.4
41.8
N/A
N/A
16.3
1.6
5.8
2001
106
104
1.00
N/A
28.6
18.2
22.3
23.9
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
6.0
2000
117
101
1.14
N/A
29.9
17.0
24.6
22.4
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
6.3
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Baltimore
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
117.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
40.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
0%
Transportation
Phoenix offers extensive driving and light rail options. Baltimore is well-connected with public transit options including buses, light rail, metro subway, and MARC train services to Washington D.C.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Baltimore
Amtrak stations
3
2
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
136
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Baltimore
Bicycle
0.4%
0.4%
Bus
1.8%
6.2%
Carpooled
12.2%
7.3%
Car alone
81.8%
77.2%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0%
Railroad
0.2%
0.3%
Streetcar
0%
1.2%
Subway
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.7%
Walked
1.4%
4.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Baltimore
Average
28.6 min
32.3 min
Other means
26.4 min
26.3 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
46.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
Baltimore
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
90.7%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
7.5%
In 3 person carpool
2%
1%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Phoenix's real estate is generally more affordable than Baltimore’s. However, both cities have seen a growing trend in downtown revitalization, with attractive opportunities for urban living.
Neighborhoods
Phoenix is known for its strong community feeling with neighborhood block watches while Baltimore is widely recognized for its distinct, historic neighborhoods like Fells Point and Federal Hill.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Baltimore
Houses
644,625
293,487
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.4
Median year apartment built
1987
1959
Median year house/condo built
1983
1944
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
254,370 (86.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
123,249 (48.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
131,121 (51.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$1,254
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$1,196
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$207,303
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$193,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
5.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$321,473
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$218,934
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$142,945
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$257,173
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$269,877
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
Over $1,000,000
$91,531
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$210,096
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$246,241
Median house age
36
72
Renting percentage
42.4%
52.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
3,632.1
House value disparities
30.8%
38.5%
Household income disparities
43.9%
49.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$85,990
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$53,334
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
2,415 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
5,740 (6.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
84,578 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
579 (0.7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
8,544 (9.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
5.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
Baltimore
One, detached
60.3%
16.4%
One, attached
4.9%
49.5%
Two
1.4%
4.5%
3 or 4
4.4%
4.9%
5 to 9
5.0%
5.5%
10 to 19
5.3%
4.8%
20 to 49
4.1%
2.8%
50 or more
11.3%
11.4%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
12,671
State government workers
30,385
20,410
Unpaid family workers
1,048
356
Industries and Occupations
The Phoenix economy largely revolves around sectors like manufacturing, retail, real estate, and health care. Baltimore is known as a base of the US defense industry and also excels in finance, healthcare, and biosciences.
Both cities provide excellent healthcare facilities. Phoenix is home to Mayo Clinic and Banner Health System. Baltimore is famously home to the Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Baltimore
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Phoenix has newer infrastructure with a modern layout, while Baltimore demonstrates its rich history and heritage with its older infrastructure, including historic buildings and cobblestone streets.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Baltimore
Hospitals
48
45
TV stations
22
19
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
263
215
Bank institutions located here
41
44
Main business address for public companies
41
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
13
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
Baltimore
1999
5,846
2,486
2000
4,847
2,058
2001
3,823
1,371
2002
3,472
1,111
2003
5,750
1,526
2004
9,848
2,929
2005
15,879
4,981
2006
18,392
5,533
2007
9,797
3,592
2008
3,130
1,111
2009
1,614
381
Culture and Food
Phoenix offers a mix of Southwestern and Mexican cultures, mirrored in its food. In contrast, Baltimore has a rich maritime heritage, with seafood, especially crab, being popular.
Sports Teams
Phoenix fans enjoy games from teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Phoenix Suns, and the Arizona Cardinals. Baltimore is home to the Ravens and the Orioles, attracting a passionate local fan base.
Phoenix, AZ
Baltimore, MD
Phoenix, AZ and 
Baltimore, MD : 1,998.2 miles
