Market Overview
Arlington's median sold price is $727K with homes averaging 38 days on market; Rockville is at $647K and 32 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Arlington is pricier ($727K median vs $647K), a difference of about $80K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 32 days on market compared to 38 in Arlington. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.
Arlington
VA
Rockville
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$727K
$647K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
38 days
32 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$200K–$1.8M
Notable Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Arlington schools | See Rockville schools
Arlington
VA
Rockville
MD
Avg Pass Rate
89%
85%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Arlington
VA
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
Red
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Property Tax
On a $727K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,365/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $647K home costs ~$6,393/yr. Rockville has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Rockville
MD
Rate per $100
$1.013
$0.988
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,365/yr
$6,393/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Montgomery County rate; City of Rockville adds $0.328
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 52 in Rockville. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
42
Bike Score
72
55
Safety
Rockville is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 9% 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
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Rockville more affordable?
Rockville is more affordable with a median sold price of $647K, compared to $727K in Arlington (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Rockville?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty 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, Arlington or Rockville?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Rockville?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,365/yr on a $727K home). Rockville's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$6,393/yr on a $647K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Arlington and Rockville compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 August 2026.