City Comparison

Baltimore vs Hampton: How they compare

Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Baltimore's median sold price is $275K with homes averaging 41 days on market; Hampton is at $299K and 48 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Hampton is pricier ($299K median vs $275K), a difference of about $24K. Baltimore moves faster, with homes averaging 41 days on market compared to 48 in Hampton. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.

Baltimore

MD

Hampton

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$275K

$299K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

41 days

48 days

Price Range

$50K–$1.5M

$80K–$650K

Notable Neighborhoods

Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park

Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe

Schools

Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Hampton has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Hampton, Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. See Baltimore schools | See Hampton schools

Baltimore

MD

Hampton

VA

Avg Pass Rate

55%

65%

Public schools

Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School

Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School

Pass Rate

55%
65%

Commute

Hampton is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258).

Baltimore

MD

Hampton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~65 min

~25 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

I-64, I-664, Rt 258

Commuter Rail

MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)

None

Safety

Hampton is rated "Below Average" with a total crime rate 42% 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

Hampton

VA

Safety Rating

Below Average
Below Average

Violent Crime

11.2/1K

3.8/1K

Property Crime

28.5/1K

20.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

135% above Virginia average

42% above Virginia average

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baltimore or Hampton more affordable?

Baltimore is more affordable with a median sold price of $275K, compared to $299K in Hampton (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. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Hampton?

Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Hampton has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Hampton, Hampton High School and Phoebus 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 Hampton?

Hampton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Hampton has no direct Metro access.

How do Baltimore and Hampton compare?

Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. 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.

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Baltimore vs Hampton: Median $275K vs $299K (2026) | smover