Baltimore, MD vs Salem, VA
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
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 44.0). Baltimore leads in walk score (64 vs 27). Salem leads in average commute (18.8 min vs 30.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.5 (#444) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 565,239 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $189,754 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $58,349 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 30.1 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 64 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 44.0 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | R+19.3 |
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 →
C
73.2 Score
Salem, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$312,662
Population
25,600
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Northeast
View Salem, VA →