City Comparison

Arlington vs Vienna: How they compare

Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Vienna offers a small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity, the W&OD Trail, downtown shops, and address-based Fairfax County Public Schools assignments. The details differ. Here is the sourced context for price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and reported crime data.

Market Overview

Arlington's median sold price is $727K with homes averaging 38 days on market; Vienna is at $1.1M and 31 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Vienna is pricier ($1.1M median vs $727K), a difference of about $396K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 31 days on market compared to 38 in Arlington. Arlington offers a lower entry point at $350K–$2.5M.

Arlington

VA

Vienna

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$727K

$1.1M

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

38 days

31 days

Price Range

$350K–$2.5M

$500K–$2.5M

Notable Neighborhoods

Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City

Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights

Schools

Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Arlington schools | See Vienna schools

Arlington

VA

Vienna

VA

Avg Pass Rate

89%

92%

Public schools

Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School

James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary

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 ~25 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).

Arlington

VA

Vienna

VA

Drive to Downtown

~15 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)

1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)

Metro Lines

Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow

Orange

Major Highways

I-66, I-395, Rt 50

I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29

Commuter Rail

None

None

Property Tax

On a $727K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,365/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $1.1M home costs ~$12,460/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.

Arlington

VA

Vienna

VA

Rate per $100

$1.013

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$7,365/yr

$12,460/yr

Notes

Includes $0.003 stormwater fee

Fairfax County rate; Town of Vienna adds $0.2275

Walkability

Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Vienna. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.

Arlington

VA

Vienna

VA

Walk Score

69Somewhat Walkable
42Car-Dependent

Transit Score

57

30

Bike Score

72

48

Reported Crime Data

The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Arlington and Vienna. 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

Vienna

VA

Reported Violent Crime

1.4/1K

0.4/1K

Reported Property Crime

15.2/1K

7.2/1K

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arlington or Vienna more affordable?

Arlington is more affordable with a median sold price of $727K, compared to $1.1M in Vienna (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. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Vienna?

Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Vienna?

Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).

What are property taxes in Arlington vs Vienna?

Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,365/yr on a $727K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$12,460/yr on a $1.1M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

How do Arlington and Vienna compare?

Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Vienna offers a small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity, the W&OD Trail, downtown shops, and address-based Fairfax County Public Schools assignments. 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.

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