Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $225K), a difference of about $735K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$225K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
12 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Baltimore schools | See Vienna schools
Baltimore
MD
Vienna
VA
Avg Pass Rate
55%
92%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Baltimore
MD
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
None
Property Tax
On a $225K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$5,058/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $960K home costs ~$10,656/yr. Vienna has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Vienna
VA
Rate per $100
$2.248
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,058/yr
$10,656/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
Fairfax County rate; Town of Vienna adds $0.2275
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Vienna. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
30
Bike Score
58
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Vienna more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Vienna?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Baltimore or Vienna?
Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Vienna?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$10,656/yr on a $960K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Baltimore and Vienna compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.