City Comparison

Annapolis vs Virginia Beach: How they compare

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Virginia Beach is the state's most populous city, offering oceanfront living, a thriving resort economy, and proximity to major military installations. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Annapolis is pricier ($510K median vs $370K), a difference of about $140K. Virginia Beach moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Virginia Beach offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M+.

Annapolis

MD

Virginia Beach

VA

Median Price

$510K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

22 days

Price Range

$200K–$3M+

$175K–$2M+

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole

Oceanfront, Town Center, Great Neck, Kempsville

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annapolis or Virginia Beach more affordable?

Virginia Beach is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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+. Virginia Beach prices range from $175K–$2M+.

How do Annapolis and Virginia Beach compare?

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Virginia Beach is the state's most populous city, offering oceanfront living, a thriving resort economy, and proximity to major military installations. 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.

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Annapolis vs Virginia Beach: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover