Baltimore vs Detroit: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Baltimore is 24% safer. Baltimore has more comfortable months (7 vs 5). Baltimore population: 569,997. Detroit population: 649,095.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living
Cost of living data is not available for Baltimore. Try the salary calculator for cities with data.
Safety: Baltimore vs Detroit
Baltimore is 24% safer overall, with a crime rate of 42 per 1,000 residents vs Detroit's 55. Baltimore earns a D- safety grade compared to Detroit's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Baltimore
Maryland
Detroit
Michigan
| Metric | Baltimore | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 42/1K | 55/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1400.0 | 1900.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2800.0 | 3600.0 |
| Murder Rate | 19.7 | 26.3 |
| Assault Rate | 1125.1 | 1355.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 178.0 | 316.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 346.2 | 534.9 |
| Theft Rate | 1926.6 | 2903.9 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 458.8 | 387.8 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Baltimore, you have a 1 in 24 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 18 in Detroit.
Climate: Baltimore vs Detroit
Baltimore Climate Overview
Detroit Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 66.3°F | 59.1°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 48.7°F | 41.4°F |
| Annual Rain | 40.5" | 33.7" |
| Annual Snow | 15.8" | 40.8" |
| Comfortable Months | 7 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 3 | 4 |
Baltimore is 5°F warmer in summer than Detroit, but Detroit is 8°F colder in winter than Baltimore. Detroit gets significantly more snow (41" vs 16"). Baltimore is wetter with 41" of annual rain compared to 34". Baltimore has more comfortable weather months (7 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore safer than Detroit?
Which city has better weather, Baltimore or Detroit?
Should I move to Baltimore or Detroit?
How big is Baltimore compared to Detroit?
Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
Know before you go
CityCheck covers safety, cost of living, climate, and things to do for every US city.
Explore cities