Market Overview
Arlington's median sold price is $727K with homes averaging 38 days on market; Stafford is at $545K and 37 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Arlington is pricier ($727K median vs $545K), a difference of about $182K. Stafford moves faster, with homes averaging 37 days on market compared to 38 in Arlington. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Arlington
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$727K
$545K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
38 days
37 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$108K–$1.3M
Notable Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Arlington schools | See Stafford schools
Arlington
VA
Stafford
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
77%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
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 $727K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,365/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $545K home costs ~$5,717/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
$7,365/yr
$5,717/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
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Arlington and Stafford. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Arlington
VA
Stafford
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1.4/1K
0.9/1K
Reported Property Crime
15.2/1K
10.8/1K
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median sold price of $545K, 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. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Stafford?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View 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 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 (~$7,365/yr on a $727K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,717/yr on a $545K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Arlington and Stafford compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records 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 September 2026.