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
Transit Score
52
22
Bike Score
58
32
Safety
McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% 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
McLean
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
0.3/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
6.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
60% below Virginia average
MD
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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 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.