Baltimore, MD vs Boston, MA

Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.

Score Snapshot

No universal winner

Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.

Baltimore

75.5

#444 nationally

vs

Boston

66.2

#1568 nationally

Baltimore leads in cost of living index (108 vs 155). Boston leads in median household income ($81,744 vs $58,349). Boston leads in walk score (83 vs 64).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Baltimore, MD Boston, MA
WhereAtHome Score 75.5 (#444) 66.2 (#1568)
Population 565,239 684,379
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $189,754 $787,763
Median Household Income $58,349 $81,744
Average Commute 30.1 min 30.2 min
Walk Score 64 83
Crime Level 44.0 Moderate
School Rating N/A 7.2
Cost of Living Index 108 155
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+13.9 D+52.5
Baltimore, MD
C
75.5 Score

Baltimore, MD

Major Maryland city with a diverse economy

Median Home

$189,754

Population

565,239

Crime

Very High

Walk Score

64

Northeast View Baltimore, MD →
Boston, MA
D
66.2 Score

Boston, MA

Innovation hub with historic charm

Median Home

$787,763

Population

684,379

Crime

Moderate

Schools

B

Northeast View Boston, MA →

Try a different matchup

Swap Baltimore for:

Laurel, MD vs Boston Annapolis, MD vs Boston Bowie, MD vs Boston Greenbelt, MD vs Boston College Park, MD vs Boston

Swap Boston for:

Somerville, MA vs Baltimore Cambridge, MA vs Baltimore Chelsea, MA vs Baltimore Everett, MA vs Baltimore Revere, MA vs Baltimore

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