Market Overview
Baltimore's median sold price is $275K with homes averaging 41 days on market; Rockville is at $641K and 31 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Rockville is pricier ($641K median vs $275K), a difference of about $366K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 31 days on market compared to 41 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Rockville
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$275K
$641K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
41 days
31 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$200K–$1.8M
Notable Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Baltimore schools | See Rockville schools
Baltimore
MD
Rockville
MD
Avg Pass Rate
55%
85%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Rockville is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Baltimore
MD
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Property Tax
On a $275K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$6,184/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $641K home costs ~$6,333/yr. Rockville has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Rockville
MD
Rate per $100
$2.248
$0.988
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,184/yr
$6,333/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
Montgomery County rate; City of Rockville adds $0.328
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 52 in Rockville. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
42
Bike Score
58
55
Safety
Rockville is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 9% 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
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Rockville more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median sold price of $275K, compared to $641K in Rockville (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. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Rockville?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton 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 Rockville?
Rockville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Rockville?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$6,184/yr on a $275K home). Rockville's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$6,333/yr on a $641K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Baltimore and Rockville compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. 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.