City Comparison

Bethesda vs Chantilly: How they compare

Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Chantilly offers spacious homes and public schools in western Fairfax County. The details differ. Here is the sourced context for price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and reported crime data.

Market Overview

Bethesda's median sold price is $1.2M with homes averaging 40 days on market; Chantilly is at $700K and 24 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Bethesda is pricier ($1.2M median vs $700K), a difference of about $531K. Chantilly moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 40 in Bethesda. Chantilly offers a lower entry point at $25K–$2.8M.

Bethesda

MD

Chantilly

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$1.2M

$700K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

40 days

24 days

Price Range

$400K–$5M+

$25K–$2.8M

Notable 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

These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.

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 $1.2M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$12,154/yr in property tax. In Chantilly, a $700K home costs ~$7,765/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

$12,154/yr

$7,765/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

72Very Walkable
20Almost All Errands Require a Car

Transit Score

55

12

Bike Score

68

22

Reported Crime Data

The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Bethesda and Chantilly. 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.

Bethesda

MD

Chantilly

VA

Reported Violent Crime

0.6/1K

0.6/1K

Reported Property Crime

10.2/1K

8.8/1K

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bethesda or Chantilly more affordable?

Chantilly is more affordable with a median sold price of $700K, compared to $1.2M in Bethesda (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. 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 (~$12,154/yr on a $1.2M home). Chantilly's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,765/yr on a $700K 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 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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