Market Overview
Baltimore's median sold price is $275K with homes averaging 41 days on market; Bowie is at $501K and 37 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Bowie is pricier ($501K median vs $275K), a difference of about $226K. Bowie moves faster, with homes averaging 37 days on market compared to 41 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Bowie
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$275K
$501K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
41 days
37 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$200K–$900K
Notable Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Bowie has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Bowie, Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. See Baltimore schools | See Bowie schools
Baltimore
MD
Bowie
MD
Avg Pass Rate
55%
75%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bowie is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495).
Baltimore
MD
Bowie
MD
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
MARC (Penn Line)
Property Tax
On a $275K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$6,184/yr in property tax. In Bowie, a $501K home costs ~$6,401/yr. Bowie has the lower rate at $1.278 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Bowie
MD
Rate per $100
$2.248
$1.278
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,184/yr
$6,401/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
Prince George's County rate
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Bowie (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Bowie Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Bowie
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
15
Bike Score
58
25
Safety
Bowie is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 5% above 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.
Baltimore
MD
Bowie
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
1.5/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
5% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Bowie more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median sold price of $275K, compared to $501K in Bowie (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Bowie?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Bowie has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Bowie, Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Baltimore or Bowie?
Bowie has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Bowie has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Bowie?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$6,184/yr on a $275K home). Bowie's rate is $1.278 per $100 (~$6,401/yr on a $501K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Baltimore and Bowie compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to D. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 August 2026.