Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $680K), a difference of about $280K. Both cities average 12 days on market. Alexandria offers a lower entry point at $300K–$2M.
Alexandria
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$680K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
12 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% 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 Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Alexandria schools | See Vienna schools
Alexandria
VA
Vienna
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
78%
92%
Top Schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Alexandria has 4 Metro stations, including King St-Old Town on the Blue/Yellow lines. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Alexandria
VA
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
Orange
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $960K home costs ~$10,656/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
Vienna
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,548/yr
$10,656/yr
Notes
None
Fairfax County rate; Town of Vienna adds $0.2275
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Vienna. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
30
Bike Score
64
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Vienna more affordable?
Alexandria is more affordable with a median home price of $680K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
Which has better schools, Alexandria or Vienna?
Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 78% in Alexandria. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Vienna, standout schools include James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Vienna?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Vienna?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$10,656/yr on a $960K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Alexandria or Vienna better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.