Baltimore MD vs Washington DC — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Baltimore, MD
Maryland · Population: 577,193
- Median HH Income$59,623
- Median Home Price$191,668
- Unemployment6.6%
- Bachelor's+35.4%
Washington, DC
District of Columbia · Population: 672,079
- Median HH Income$106,287
- Median Home Price$580,173
- Unemployment6.5%
- Bachelor's+63.6%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Baltimore
577,193
Washington
672,079
Washington +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Baltimore
N/A
Washington
N/A
Median Age
Baltimore
36.1
Washington
34.9
Washington +
Foreign Born
Baltimore
8.8%
Washington
13.3%
Washington +
White
Baltimore
27.4%
Washington
39.1%
Washington +
Black
Baltimore
60.0%
Baltimore +
Washington
43.3%
Asian
Baltimore
2.5%
Washington
4.1%
Washington +
Hispanic
Baltimore
7.9%
Washington
11.6%
Washington +
Spanish at Home
Baltimore
N/A
Washington
N/A
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 672,079 | Washington + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 36.1 | 34.9 | Washington + |
| Foreign Born | 8.8% | 13.3% | Washington + |
| White | 27.4% | 39.1% | Washington + |
| Black | 60.0% | 43.3% | Baltimore + |
| Asian | 2.5% | 4.1% | Washington + |
| Hispanic | 7.9% | 11.6% | Washington + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Baltimore
$59,623
Washington
$106,287
Washington +
Per Capita Income
Baltimore
$39,195
Washington
$75,253
Washington +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Baltimore
$70,886
Washington
$101,182
Washington +
Unemployment Rate
Baltimore
6.6%
Washington
6.5%
Washington +
Poverty Rate
Baltimore
20.1%
Washington
14.5%
Washington +
Bachelor's Degree+
Baltimore
35.4%
Washington
63.6%
Washington +
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $59,623 | $106,287 | Washington + |
| Per Capita Income | $39,195 | $75,253 | Washington + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $70,886 | $101,182 | Washington + |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.6% | 6.5% | Washington + |
| Poverty Rate | 20.1% | 14.5% | Washington + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 35.4% | 63.6% | Washington + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Baltimore
$191,668
Baltimore +
Washington
$580,173
Homeownership Rate
Baltimore
47.5%
Baltimore +
Washington
41.1%
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $191,668 | $580,173 | Baltimore + |
| Homeownership Rate | 47.5% | 41.1% | Baltimore + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Baltimore
433
Washington
398
Washington +
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Baltimore
1724
Baltimore +
Washington
1999
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 433 | 398 | Washington + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1724 | 1999 | Baltimore + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Baltimore
38.1%
Washington
24.6%
Washington +
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Baltimore
14.4%
Washington
7.8%
Washington +
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Baltimore
18.6%
Washington
14.6%
Washington +
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Baltimore
10.4%
Washington
6.7%
Washington +
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Baltimore
16.0%
Baltimore +
Washington
24.0%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Baltimore
16.1%
Washington
9.7%
Washington +
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | 38.1% | 24.6% | Washington + |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | 14.4% | 7.8% | Washington + |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | 18.6% | 14.6% | Washington + |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | 10.4% | 6.7% | Washington + |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | 16.0% | 24.0% | Baltimore + |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | 16.1% | 9.7% | Washington + |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Baltimore
55.1°F
Washington
N/A
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Baltimore
41.9 in
Washington
N/A
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 55.1°F | N/A | - |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 41.9 in | N/A | - |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Baltimore
7.6 µg/m³
Baltimore +
Washington
8.8 µg/m³
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Baltimore
75.0%
Washington
75.0%
Tie
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 7.6 µg/m³ | 8.8 µg/m³ | Baltimore + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 75.0% | 75.0% | Tie |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Baltimore
31.6 min
Baltimore +
Washington
32.8 min
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 31.6 min | 32.8 min | Baltimore + |
Which City is Right for You?
Washington leads in median household income at $106,287, while baltimore offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $191,668. On public safety, Washington is safer with a violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 residents, compared to 433 in Baltimore. Washington has a lower unemployment rate at 6.5%, and Baltimore has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 7.6 µg/m³). For overall health outcomes, Washington scores better with a lower obesity rate of 24.6%.
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