Baltimore, MD vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin: Housing Market Comparison (2026)
Side-by-side Alpha Scores, affordability, momentum, supply, jobs, and rental yield · as of August 2026
Baltimore, MD vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin side by side
| Metric | ● Baltimore, MD | ● Chicago-Naperville-Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Score | 53 | 24 |
| Price Momentum | 72 | — |
| Inventory Health | 30 | 0 |
| Affordability | 48 | 36 |
| Economic Strength | 69 | 26 |
| Rental Yield | 47 | 44 |
| Median Sale Price | $440K | — |
| Price-to-Income | 4.4 | 3.5 |
| Payment-to-Income | 26.8% | 22.4% |
| Months of Supply | 3 | — |
| Gross Rental Yield | 4.4% | 5.3% |
| Overvaluation Index | 50 | 10 |
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.
- Inventory Health: Baltimore, MD leads — Baltimore, MD 30/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 0/100.
- Economic Strength: Baltimore, MD leads — Baltimore, MD 69/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 26/100.
- Rental Yield: Baltimore, MD leads — Baltimore, MD 47/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 44/100.
Frequently asked questions
Which has a higher Alpha Score, Baltimore, MD or Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Baltimore, MD scores higher — 53 vs 24 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 4.4 in Baltimore, MD and 3.5 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.
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.