Market Overview
Baltimore's median sold price is $275K with homes averaging 41 days on market; Stafford is at $545K and 36 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Stafford is pricier ($545K median vs $275K), a difference of about $270K. Stafford moves faster, with homes averaging 36 days on market compared to 41 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Stafford
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$275K
$545K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
41 days
36 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$108K–$1.3M
Notable Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Baltimore schools | See Stafford schools
Baltimore
MD
Stafford
VA
Avg Pass Rate
55%
77%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Stafford is closer to downtown at ~55 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Baltimore
MD
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~55 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-95, Rt 1, Rt 610
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $275K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$6,184/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $545K home costs ~$5,717/yr. Stafford has the lower rate at $1.049 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$2.248
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,184/yr
$5,717/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
None
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
8
Bike Score
58
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
MD
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Stafford more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median sold price of $275K, compared to $545K in Stafford (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. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Stafford?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View 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 Stafford?
Stafford has the shorter commute to downtown at ~55 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Stafford?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$6,184/yr on a $275K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,717/yr on a $545K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Baltimore and Stafford compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.