Baltimore, MD vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin: Housing Market Comparison (2026)
Side-by-side Alpha Scores, affordability, momentum, supply, jobs, and rental yield · scores computed September 2026
Baltimore, MD vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin side by side
| Metric | ● Baltimore, MD | ● Chicago-Naperville-Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Score | 32 | 39 |
| Price Momentum | 22 | 83 |
| Inventory Health | 17band 5 of 5 | 13band 5 of 5 |
| Affordability | 29 | 37 |
| Economic Strength | 66 | 25 |
| Rental Yield | 34 | 45 |
| Median Sale Price (Redfin) | $399K | — |
| Months of Supply (Redfin) | 3 | — |
Highlighted = the stronger read for that metric (supply, valuation, and payment burden are better when lower). Income/rent inputs lag annually.
How Baltimore, MD and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin compare, dimension by dimension
- Affordability: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin leads — Baltimore, MD 29/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 37/100.
- Price Momentum: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin leads — Baltimore, MD 22/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 83/100.
- Inventory Health: Baltimore, MD leads — Baltimore, MD 17/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 13/100.
- Economic Strength: Baltimore, MD leads — Baltimore, MD 66/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 25/100.
- Rental Yield: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin leads — Baltimore, MD 34/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 45/100.
Frequently asked questions
Which has a higher Alpha Score, Baltimore, MD or Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin scores higher — 39 vs 32 out of 100. The Alpha Score is a 0-100 composite of price momentum, inventory health, affordability, economic strength, and rental yield.
Is Baltimore, MD or Chicago-Naperville-Elgin more affordable?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is more affordable on our affordability dimension.
Which housing market has stronger momentum, Baltimore, MD or Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has stronger price momentum — 83/100 vs 22/100.
Want to swap in other cities, change the metrics, or chart the trend over time? Customize this comparison → in the interactive Compare tool. Or read the Baltimore, MD market brief and the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin brief.