Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $710K), a difference of about $40K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 19 in Chantilly. Chantilly offers a lower entry point at $25K–$2.8M.
Arlington
VA
Chantilly
VA
Median Price
$750K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
19 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$25K–$2.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 85% in Chantilly. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Chantilly, families look to Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. See Arlington schools | See Chantilly schools
Arlington
VA
Chantilly
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
89%
85%
Top Schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Chantilly High School, Rocky Run Middle School, Greenbriar West Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Chantilly has 1 Metro station, including Dulles Airport on the Silver line. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Chantilly (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50).
Arlington
VA
Chantilly
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~40 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
1 Metro station (nearest: Dulles Airport)
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
Silver
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Chantilly, a $710K home costs ~$7,881/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Chantilly
VA
Rate per $100
$1.013
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,597/yr
$7,881/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 20 in Chantilly. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Chantilly (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Sully Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Chantilly
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
12
Bike Score
72
22
Safety
Chantilly is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 44% 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
Chantilly
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
0.6/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
8.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
44% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Chantilly more affordable?
Chantilly is more affordable with a median home price of $710K, 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. Chantilly prices range from $25K–$2.8M.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Chantilly?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 85% in Chantilly. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Chantilly, standout schools include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Chantilly?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Chantilly has Metro access (Dulles Airport).
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Chantilly?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Chantilly's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Arlington or Chantilly better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. 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.