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 has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Chantilly has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Chantilly, Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. See Bethesda schools | See Chantilly schools
Bethesda
MD
Chantilly
VA
Avg Pass Rate
93%
85%
Public 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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Chantilly?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Chantilly has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Chantilly, Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
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.
How do Bethesda and Chantilly compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Chantilly offers spacious homes and public schools in western Fairfax County. 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.