Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $560K), a difference of about $490K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 17 in Rockville. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.
Bethesda
MD
Rockville
MD
Median Price
$1.1M
$560K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
17 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$200K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Bethesda schools | See Rockville schools
Bethesda
MD
Rockville
MD
Avg Pass Rate
93%
85%
Public schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Bethesda
MD
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Bethesda)
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
Red
Red
Major Highways
I-495, I-270, Rt 355
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Property Tax
On a $1.1M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$10,374/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $560K home costs ~$5,533/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Bethesda
MD
Rockville
MD
Rate per $100
$0.988
$0.988
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$10,374/yr
$5,533/yr
Notes
Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)
Montgomery County rate; City of Rockville adds $0.328
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 52 in Rockville. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Bethesda
MD
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
55
42
Bike Score
68
55
Safety
Bethesda is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% below Virginia average. Rockville is rated "Average" (9% 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
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Rockville more affordable?
Rockville is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, 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+. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Rockville?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Bethesda or Rockville?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
What are property taxes in Bethesda vs Rockville?
Bethesda has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$10,374/yr on a $1.1M home). Rockville's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$5,533/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Bethesda and Rockville compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. 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.