Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $710K), a difference of about $340K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 19 in Chantilly. Chantilly offers a lower entry point at $25K–$2.8M.
Bethesda
MD
Chantilly
VA
Median Price
$1.1M
$710K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
19 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$25K–$2.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields
Schools
Bethesda leads on school quality with a 93% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 85% in Chantilly. Top schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. In Chantilly, families look to Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. See Bethesda schools | See Chantilly schools
Bethesda
MD
Chantilly
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
93%
85%
Top Schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Chantilly High School, Rocky Run Middle School, Greenbriar West Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Chantilly has 1 Metro station, including Dulles Airport on the Silver line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Chantilly (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50).
Bethesda
MD
Chantilly
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~40 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Bethesda)
1 Metro station (nearest: Dulles Airport)
Metro Lines
Red
Silver
Major Highways
I-495, I-270, Rt 355
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $1.1M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$10,374/yr in property tax. In Chantilly, a $710K home costs ~$7,881/yr. Bethesda has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Bethesda
MD
Chantilly
VA
Rate per $100
$0.988
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$10,374/yr
$7,881/yr
Notes
Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 20 in Chantilly. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs Chantilly (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Sully Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Bethesda
MD
Chantilly
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
55
12
Bike Score
68
22
Safety
Chantilly is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 44% below Virginia average. Bethesda is rated "Safe" (36% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Bethesda
MD
Chantilly
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.6/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
8.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
44% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Chantilly more affordable?
Chantilly is more affordable with a median home price of $710K, compared to $1.1M in Bethesda. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+. Chantilly prices range from $25K–$2.8M.
Which has better schools, Bethesda or Chantilly?
Bethesda has stronger schools overall, with a 93% average pass rate compared to 85% in Chantilly. Top schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. In Chantilly, standout schools include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Bethesda or Chantilly?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Chantilly has Metro access (Dulles Airport).
What are property taxes in Bethesda vs Chantilly?
Bethesda has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$10,374/yr on a $1.1M home). Chantilly's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Bethesda or Chantilly better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. 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.