City Comparison

Baltimore vs McLean: How they compare

Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. The details differ. Here is the sourced context for price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and reported crime data.

Market Overview

Baltimore's median sold price is $275K with homes averaging 41 days on market; McLean is at $1.4M and 41 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $275K), a difference of about $1.1M. Both cities average 41 days on market. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.

Baltimore

MD

McLean

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$275K

$1.4M

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

41 days

41 days

Price Range

$50K–$1.5M

$700K–$5M+

Notable Neighborhoods

Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park

Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet

Property Tax

On a $275K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$6,182/yr in property tax. In McLean, a $1.4M home costs ~$14,985/yr. McLean has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.

Baltimore

MD

McLean

VA

Rate per $100

$2.248

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$6,182/yr

$14,985/yr

Notes

Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)

Fairfax County rate

Walkability

Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 28 in McLean. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.

Baltimore

MD

McLean

VA

Walk Score

65Somewhat Walkable
28Car-Dependent

Transit Score

52

22

Bike Score

58

32

Reported Crime Data

The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Baltimore and McLean. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.

Baltimore

MD

McLean

VA

Reported Violent Crime

11.2/1K

0.3/1K

Reported Property Crime

28.5/1K

6.5/1K

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baltimore or McLean more affordable?

Baltimore is more affordable with a median sold price of $275K, compared to $1.4M in McLean (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. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.

What are property taxes in Baltimore vs McLean?

Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$6,182/yr on a $275K home). McLean's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$14,985/yr on a $1.4M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

How do Baltimore and McLean compare?

Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records 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 September 2026.

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