City Comparison

Baltimore vs Washington DC: How they compare

Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Washington, D. The details differ. Here is the sourced context for price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and reported crime data.

Market Overview

Baltimore's median sold price is $275K with homes averaging 41 days on market; Washington DC is at $670K and 55 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Washington DC is pricier ($670K median vs $275K), a difference of about $395K. Baltimore moves faster, with homes averaging 41 days on market compared to 55 in Washington DC. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.

Baltimore

MD

Washington DC

DC

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$275K

$670K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

41 days

55 days

Price Range

$50K–$1.5M

$200K–$5M+

Notable Neighborhoods

Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park

Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Navy Yard

MD

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DC

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baltimore or Washington DC more affordable?

Baltimore is more affordable with a median sold price of $275K, compared to $670K in Washington DC (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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. Washington DC prices range from $200K–$5M+.

How do Baltimore and Washington DC compare?

Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Washington, D. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.

Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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 September 2026.

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