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 27 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Arlington
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$750K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
27 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Arlington schools | See Stafford schools
Arlington
VA
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
89%
77%
Top Schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~55 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), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Arlington
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~55 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
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $560K home costs ~$5,874/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$1.013
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,597/yr
$5,874/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
None
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
8
Bike Score
72
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford 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. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Stafford?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Stafford?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Stafford?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Arlington or Stafford better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the 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.