Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $460K), a difference of about $290K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 19 in Bowie. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Arlington
VA
Bowie
MD
Median Price
$750K
$460K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
19 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$200K–$900K
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Bowie, families look to Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. See Arlington schools | See Bowie schools
Arlington
VA
Bowie
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
89%
75%
Top Schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495).
Arlington
VA
Bowie
MD
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Penn Line)
Property Tax
On a $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Bowie, a $460K home costs ~$5,879/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Bowie
MD
Rate per $100
$1.013
$1.278
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,597/yr
$5,879/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Prince George's County rate
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Bowie (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Bowie Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Bowie
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
15
Bike Score
72
25
Safety
Bowie is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 5% above Virginia average. Arlington is rated "Average" (Near Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Arlington
VA
Bowie
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
1.5/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
5% above Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Arlington
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Arlington.
View top agentsMD
Find agents in Bowie
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Bowie.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Bowie more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median home price of $460K, compared to $750K in Arlington. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Bowie?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Bowie, standout schools include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Bowie?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Bowie has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Bowie?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Bowie's rate is $1.278 per $100 (~$5,879/yr on a $460K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Arlington or Bowie better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to 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.