Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $225K), a difference of about $415K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Fairfax
VA
Median Price
$225K
$640K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
14 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$350K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Fairfax has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Fairfax, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Baltimore schools | See Fairfax schools
Baltimore
MD
Fairfax
VA
Avg Pass Rate
55%
87%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fairfax is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50).
Baltimore
MD
Fairfax
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
None
Property Tax
On a $225K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$5,058/yr in property tax. In Fairfax, a $640K home costs ~$7,104/yr. Fairfax has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Fairfax
VA
Rate per $100
$2.248
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,058/yr
$7,104/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Fairfax (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Mantua score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Fairfax
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
28
Bike Score
58
42
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% below 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
Fairfax
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
35% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Fairfax more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $640K in Fairfax. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Fairfax?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Fairfax has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Fairfax, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley 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 Fairfax?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Fairfax?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). Fairfax's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Baltimore and Fairfax compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.