Market Overview
Suffolk is pricier ($370K median vs $225K), a difference of about $145K. Suffolk moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Suffolk
VA
Median Price
$225K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
24 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$175K–$800K
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Baltimore schools | See Suffolk schools
Baltimore
MD
Suffolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
55%
72%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Nansemond River High School, King's Fork High School, Lakeland High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Suffolk is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).
Baltimore
MD
Suffolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~30 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
Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
None
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Suffolk more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $370K in Suffolk. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Suffolk?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork 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 Suffolk?
Suffolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Suffolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Baltimore and Suffolk compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. 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.
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 June 2026.