Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $640K), a difference of about $410K. Both cities average 14 days on market. Fairfax offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.5M.
Bethesda
MD
Fairfax
VA
Median Price
$1.1M
$640K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
14 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$350K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Schools
Bethesda leads on school quality with a 93% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 87% in Fairfax. Top schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. In Fairfax, families look to Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Bethesda schools | See Fairfax schools
Bethesda
MD
Fairfax
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
93%
87%
Top Schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50).
Bethesda
MD
Fairfax
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Bethesda)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
Red
Orange
Major Highways
I-495, I-270, Rt 355
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $1.1M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$10,374/yr in property tax. In Fairfax, a $640K home costs ~$7,104/yr. Bethesda has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Bethesda
MD
Fairfax
VA
Rate per $100
$0.988
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$10,374/yr
$7,104/yr
Notes
Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs Fairfax (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Mantua score much higher than suburban areas.
Bethesda
MD
Fairfax
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
55
28
Bike Score
68
42
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% 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
Fairfax
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
35% below Virginia average
MD
Find agents in Bethesda
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Bethesda.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Fairfax
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Fairfax.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Fairfax more affordable?
Fairfax is more affordable with a median home price of $640K, 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+. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Bethesda or Fairfax?
Bethesda has stronger schools overall, with a 93% average pass rate compared to 87% in Fairfax. Top schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. In Fairfax, standout schools include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Bethesda or Fairfax?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Bethesda vs Fairfax?
Bethesda has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$10,374/yr on a $1.1M home). Fairfax's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Bethesda or Fairfax better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.