Market Overview
Bethesda's median sold price is $1.2M with homes averaging 40 days on market; Rockville is at $647K and 32 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Bethesda is pricier ($1.2M median vs $647K), a difference of about $583K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 32 days on market compared to 40 in Bethesda. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.
Bethesda
MD
Rockville
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$1.2M
$647K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
40 days
32 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$200K–$1.8M
Notable 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
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 ~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 $1.2M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$12,154/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $647K home costs ~$6,393/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
$12,154/yr
$6,393/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
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Bethesda and Rockville. 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
Rockville
MD
Reported Violent Crime
0.6/1K
1.1/1K
Reported Property Crime
10.2/1K
14.2/1K
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Rockville more affordable?
Rockville is more affordable with a median sold price of $647K, 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+. 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 (~$12,154/yr on a $1.2M home). Rockville's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$6,393/yr on a $647K 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 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.