Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $750K), a difference of about $300K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 14 in Bethesda. Arlington offers a lower entry point at $350K–$2.5M.
Arlington
VA
Bethesda
MD
Median Price
$750K
$1.1M
Avg Days on Market
10 days
14 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$400K–$5M+
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Schools
Bethesda leads on school quality with a 93% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 89% in Arlington. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Bethesda, families look to Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. See Arlington schools | See Bethesda schools
Arlington
VA
Bethesda
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
89%
93%
Top Schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355).
Arlington
VA
Bethesda
MD
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~20 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Bethesda)
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
Red
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
I-495, I-270, Rt 355
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Bethesda, a $1.1M home costs ~$10,374/yr. Bethesda has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Bethesda
MD
Rate per $100
$1.013
$0.988
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,597/yr
$10,374/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 69 in Arlington. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Bethesda (55). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Downtown Bethesda score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Bethesda
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
55
Bike Score
72
68
Safety
Bethesda is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% below Virginia average. Arlington is rated "Average" (Near Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Arlington
VA
Bethesda
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
0.6/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Bethesda more affordable?
Arlington is more affordable with a median home price of $750K, compared to $1.1M in Bethesda. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Bethesda?
Bethesda has stronger schools overall, with a 93% average pass rate compared to 89% in Arlington. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Bethesda, standout schools include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Bethesda?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda).
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Bethesda?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Bethesda's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$10,374/yr on a $1.1M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Arlington or Bethesda better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. 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.