Market Overview
Stafford is pricier ($560K median vs $225K), a difference of about $335K. Stafford moves faster, with homes averaging 27 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$225K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
27 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Stafford leads on school quality with a 77% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Baltimore schools | See Stafford schools
Baltimore
MD
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
55%
77%
Top 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 $225K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$5,058/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $560K home costs ~$5,874/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
$5,058/yr
$5,874/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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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Stafford more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $560K in Stafford. 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.
Which has better schools, Baltimore or Stafford?
Stafford has stronger schools overall, with a 77% average pass rate compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Baltimore or Stafford 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. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.