Market Overview
Baltimore's median sold price is $275K with homes averaging 41 days on market; Manassas is at $548K and 29 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Manassas is pricier ($548K median vs $275K), a difference of about $273K. Manassas moves faster, with homes averaging 29 days on market compared to 41 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Manassas
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$275K
$548K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
41 days
29 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$60K–$1.9M
Notable Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Baltimore schools | See Manassas schools
Baltimore
MD
Manassas
VA
Avg Pass Rate
55%
72%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Manassas is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).
Baltimore
MD
Manassas
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~45 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-66, Rt 28, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
VRE (Manassas line)
Property Tax
On a $275K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$6,182/yr in property tax. In Manassas, a $548K home costs ~$6,598/yr. Manassas has the lower rate at $1.204 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Manassas
VA
Rate per $100
$2.248
$1.204
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,182/yr
$6,598/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
None
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 38 in Manassas. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Manassas
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
15
Bike Score
58
35
Safety
Manassas is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 7% 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
Manassas
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
1.8/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
7% above Virginia average
MD
Find agents in Baltimore
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Baltimore.
View agentsVA
Find agents in Manassas
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Manassas.
View agentsDecided between Baltimore and Manassas? See how buying a home works on smover.
Related Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Manassas more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median sold price of $275K, compared to $548K in Manassas (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Manassas?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Baltimore or Manassas?
Manassas has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Manassas has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Manassas?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$6,182/yr on a $275K home). Manassas's rate is $1.204 per $100 (~$6,598/yr on a $548K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Baltimore and Manassas compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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 Aug 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.