Baltimore, MD vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin: Housing Market Comparison (2026)
Side-by-side Alpha Scores, affordability, momentum, supply, jobs, and rental yield · as of July 2026
Baltimore, MD vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin side by side
| Metric | ● Baltimore, MD | ● Chicago-Naperville-Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Score | 49 | 34 |
| Price Momentum | 66 | 50 |
| Inventory Health | 22 | 1 |
| Affordability | 48 | 36 |
| Economic Strength | 63 | 42 |
| Rental Yield | 56 | 52 |
| Median Sale Price | $435K | — |
| Price-to-Income | 4.5 | 3.4 |
| Payment-to-Income | 26.6% | 20.9% |
| Months of Supply | 3 | — |
| Gross Rental Yield | 4.3% | 5.5% |
| Overvaluation Index | 50 | 0 |
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: Baltimore, MD leads — Baltimore, MD 48/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 36/100.
- Price Momentum: Baltimore, MD leads — Baltimore, MD 66/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 50/100.
- Inventory Health: Baltimore, MD leads — Baltimore, MD 22/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 1/100.
- Economic Strength: Baltimore, MD leads — Baltimore, MD 63/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 42/100.
- Rental Yield: Baltimore, MD leads — Baltimore, MD 56/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 52/100.
Frequently asked questions
Which has a higher Alpha Score, Baltimore, MD or Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Baltimore, MD scores higher — 49 vs 34 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?
Baltimore, MD is more affordable on our affordability dimension. Price-to-income is 4.5 in Baltimore, MD and 3.4 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.
Which housing market has stronger momentum, Baltimore, MD or Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Baltimore, MD has stronger price momentum — 66/100 vs 50/100.
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.