Market Overview
McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $225K), a difference of about $1.2M. McLean moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
McLean
VA
Median Price
$225K
$1.4M
Avg Days on Market
30 days
18 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$700K–$5M+
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet
Property Tax
On a $225K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$5,058/yr in property tax. In McLean, a $1.4M home costs ~$15,540/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
$5,058/yr
$15,540/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
Find agents in Baltimore
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Baltimore.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in McLean
Browse verified agents with real sales data in McLean.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or McLean more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. 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 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). McLean's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$15,540/yr on a $1.4M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Baltimore or McLean better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. 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 best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
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 March 2026.