Market Overview
Bethesda's median sold price is $1.2M with homes averaging 40 days on market; Virginia Beach is at $364K and 18 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Bethesda is pricier ($1.2M median vs $364K), a difference of about $866K. Virginia Beach moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 40 in Bethesda. Virginia Beach offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M+.
Bethesda
MD
Virginia Beach
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$1.2M
$364K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
40 days
18 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$175K–$2M+
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Oceanfront, Town Center, Great Neck, Kempsville
MD
Search homes in Bethesda
See active homes, then keep your shortlist and decisions together.
View homesVA
Search homes in Virginia Beach
See active homes, then keep your shortlist and decisions together.
View homesDecided between Bethesda and Virginia Beach? See how buying a home works on smover.
Related Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Virginia Beach more affordable?
Virginia Beach is more affordable with a median sold price of $364K, 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+. Virginia Beach prices range from $175K–$2M+.
How do Bethesda and Virginia Beach compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Virginia Beach is the state's most populous city, offering oceanfront living, a thriving resort economy, and proximity to major military installations. 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.