Market Overview
Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $560K), a difference of about $120K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 17 in Rockville. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.
Alexandria
VA
Rockville
MD
Median Price
$680K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
17 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$200K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Rockville leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 78% in Alexandria. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Rockville, families look to Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Alexandria schools | See Rockville schools
Alexandria
VA
Rockville
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
78%
85%
Top Schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Alexandria has 4 Metro stations, including King St-Old Town on the Blue/Yellow lines. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Alexandria
VA
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
Red
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Property Tax
On a $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $560K home costs ~$5,533/yr. Rockville has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
Rockville
MD
Rate per $100
$1.110
$0.988
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,548/yr
$5,533/yr
Notes
None
Montgomery County rate; City of Rockville adds $0.328
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 52 in Rockville. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
42
Bike Score
64
55
Safety
Rockville is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 9% below 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
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Rockville more affordable?
Rockville is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, compared to $680K in Alexandria. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
Which has better schools, Alexandria or Rockville?
Rockville has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 78% in Alexandria. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Rockville, standout schools include Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Rockville?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Rockville?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Rockville's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$5,533/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Alexandria or Rockville better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. 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 March 2026.