Market Overview
Alexandria's median sold price is $675K with homes averaging 31 days on market; Arlington is at $730K and 37 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Arlington is pricier ($730K median vs $675K), a difference of about $55K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 31 days on market compared to 37 in Arlington. Alexandria offers a lower entry point at $300K–$2M.
Alexandria
VA
Arlington
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$675K
$730K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
31 days
37 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$350K–$2.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Schools
Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Arlington has 89% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Arlington, Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. See Alexandria schools | See Arlington schools
Alexandria
VA
Arlington
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
89%
Public schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Alexandria has 4 Metro stations, including King St-Old Town on the Blue/Yellow lines. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50).
Alexandria
VA
Arlington
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~15 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $675K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,493/yr in property tax. In Arlington, a $730K home costs ~$7,394/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
Arlington
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.013
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,493/yr
$7,394/yr
Notes
None
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 57 in Alexandria. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Arlington (57). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Ballston score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Arlington
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
57
Bike Score
64
72
Safety
Arlington is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near Virginia average. Alexandria is rated "Average" (15% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Alexandria
VA
Arlington
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
1.4/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
15.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
Near Virginia average
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Arlington more affordable?
Alexandria is more affordable with a median sold price of $675K, compared to $730K in Arlington (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Arlington?
Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Arlington has 89% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Arlington, Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Arlington?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn).
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Arlington?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,493/yr on a $675K home). Arlington's rate is $1.013 per $100 (~$7,394/yr on a $730K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Alexandria and Arlington compare?
Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated August 2026.