Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $640K), a difference of about $110K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 14 in Fairfax. Fairfax offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.5M.
Arlington
VA
Fairfax
VA
Median Price
$750K
$640K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
14 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$350K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 87% in Fairfax. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Fairfax, families look to Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Arlington schools | See Fairfax schools
Arlington
VA
Fairfax
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
89%
87%
Top Schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High 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. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50).
Arlington
VA
Fairfax
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
Orange
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Fairfax, a $640K home costs ~$7,104/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Fairfax
VA
Rate per $100
$1.013
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,597/yr
$7,104/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Fairfax (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Mantua score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Fairfax
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
28
Bike Score
72
42
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% 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
Fairfax
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
35% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Fairfax more affordable?
Fairfax is more affordable with a median home price of $640K, 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. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Fairfax?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 87% in Fairfax. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Fairfax, standout schools include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Fairfax?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Fairfax?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Fairfax's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Arlington or Fairfax better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.