Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $560K), a difference of about $190K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 17 in Rockville. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.
Arlington
VA
Rockville
MD
Median Price
$750K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
17 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$200K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 85% in Rockville. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Rockville, families look to Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Arlington schools | See Rockville schools
Arlington
VA
Rockville
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
89%
85%
Top 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 $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $560K home costs ~$5,533/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
$7,597/yr
$5,533/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 home price of $560K, 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. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Rockville?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 85% in Rockville. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Rockville, standout schools include Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Rockville's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$5,533/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Arlington or Rockville better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. 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 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.