Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $225K), a difference of about $525K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Arlington
VA
Baltimore
MD
Median Price
$750K
$225K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
30 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$50K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Baltimore, families look to Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. See Arlington schools | See Baltimore schools
Arlington
VA
Baltimore
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Average
Avg Pass Rate
89%
55%
Top Schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83).
Arlington
VA
Baltimore
MD
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~65 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
Property Tax
On a $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Baltimore, a $225K home costs ~$5,058/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Baltimore
MD
Rate per $100
$1.013
$2.248
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,597/yr
$5,058/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 65 in Baltimore. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Baltimore (52). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Canton score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Baltimore
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
52
Bike Score
72
58
Safety
Arlington is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near Virginia average. Baltimore is rated "Below Average" (135% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Arlington
VA
Baltimore
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
11.2/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
28.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
135% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Baltimore more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $750K in Arlington. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Baltimore?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Baltimore, standout schools include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Baltimore?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Baltimore has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Baltimore?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Baltimore's rate is $2.248 per $100 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Arlington or Baltimore better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
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 March 2026.