Market Overview
Annapolis is pricier ($510K median vs $225K), a difference of about $285K. Annapolis moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Annapolis
MD
Baltimore
MD
Median Price
$510K
$225K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
30 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$50K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Schools
Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Baltimore has 55% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Baltimore, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. See Annapolis schools | See Baltimore schools
Annapolis
MD
Baltimore
MD
Avg Pass Rate
80%
55%
Public schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Annapolis is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83).
Annapolis
MD
Baltimore
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~65 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
Property Tax
On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Baltimore, a $225K home costs ~$5,058/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.
Annapolis
MD
Baltimore
MD
Rate per $100
$0.935
$2.248
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,769/yr
$5,058/yr
Notes
Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 45 in Annapolis. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Baltimore (52). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Canton score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Baltimore
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
52
Bike Score
52
58
Safety
Baltimore is rated "Below Average" with a total crime rate 135% above Virginia average. Annapolis is rated "Below Average" (34% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Annapolis
MD
Baltimore
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
11.2/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
28.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
135% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Baltimore more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $510K in Annapolis. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Baltimore?
Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Baltimore has 55% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Baltimore, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Baltimore?
Annapolis has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Baltimore has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Baltimore?
Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Baltimore's rate is $2.248 per $100 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Annapolis and Baltimore compare?
Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated June 2026.