Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $750K), a difference of about $210K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 12 in Vienna. Arlington offers a lower entry point at $350K–$2.5M.
Arlington
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$750K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
12 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$500K–$2.5M
Top 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
Pass Rate
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 $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $960K home costs ~$10,656/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
$7,597/yr
$10,656/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
Transit Score
57
30
Bike Score
72
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Vienna more affordable?
Arlington is more affordable with a median home price of $750K, compared to $960K in Vienna. 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 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$10,656/yr on a $960K 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 quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.
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 June 2026.