Market Overview
Rockville is pricier ($560K median vs $510K), a difference of about $50K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.
Annapolis
MD
Rockville
MD
Median Price
$510K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
17 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$200K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Annapolis schools | See Rockville schools
Annapolis
MD
Rockville
MD
Avg Pass Rate
80%
85%
Public schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Rockville is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Annapolis
MD
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Property Tax
On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $560K home costs ~$5,533/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.
Annapolis
MD
Rockville
MD
Rate per $100
$0.935
$0.988
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,769/yr
$5,533/yr
Notes
Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738
Montgomery County rate; City of Rockville adds $0.328
Walkability
Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 45 in Annapolis. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
42
Bike Score
52
55
Safety
Rockville is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 9% below Virginia average. Annapolis is rated "Below Average" (34% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Annapolis
MD
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Rockville more affordable?
Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $560K in Rockville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Rockville?
Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Rockville?
Rockville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Rockville?
Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Rockville's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$5,533/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Annapolis and Rockville compare?
Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. 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.
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 June 2026.