Market Overview
Chantilly is pricier ($710K median vs $480K), a difference of about $230K. Columbia moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 19 in Chantilly. Columbia offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.2M.
Chantilly
VA
Columbia
MD
Median Price
$710K
$480K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
18 days
Price Range
$25K–$2.8M
$200K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields
Wilde Lake, Kings Contrivance, River Hill, Long Reach
Schools
Columbia leads on school quality with a 87% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 85% in Chantilly. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Columbia, families look to Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School. See Chantilly schools | See Columbia schools
Chantilly
VA
Columbia
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
85%
87%
Top Schools
Chantilly High School, Rocky Run Middle School, Greenbriar West Elementary
Wilde Lake High School, Atholton High School, Hammond High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Chantilly is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Chantilly has 1 Metro station, including Dulles Airport on the Silver line. Major highway access: Chantilly (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50), Columbia (I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175).
Chantilly
VA
Columbia
MD
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~45 min
Metro Stations
1 Metro station (nearest: Dulles Airport)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50
I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175, Rt 32
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $710K home in Chantilly, you would pay ~$7,881/yr in property tax. In Columbia, a $480K home costs ~$4,867/yr. Columbia has the lower rate at $1.014 per $100 of assessed value.
Chantilly
VA
Columbia
MD
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.014
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,881/yr
$4,867/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Howard County rate
Walkability
Columbia is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 20 in Chantilly. Transit scores: Chantilly (12) vs Columbia (18). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Sully Station and Wilde Lake score much higher than suburban areas.
Chantilly
VA
Columbia
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
18
Bike Score
22
42
Safety
Chantilly is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 44% below Virginia average. Columbia is rated "Safe" (18% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Chantilly
VA
Columbia
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
1/1K
Property Crime
8.8/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
44% below Virginia average
18% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chantilly or Columbia more affordable?
Columbia is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $710K in Chantilly. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chantilly prices range from $25K–$2.8M. Columbia prices range from $200K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Chantilly or Columbia?
Columbia has stronger schools overall, with a 87% average pass rate compared to 85% in Chantilly. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Columbia, standout schools include Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Chantilly or Columbia?
Chantilly has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Chantilly has Metro access (Dulles Airport). Columbia has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Chantilly vs Columbia?
Chantilly has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Columbia's rate is $1.014 per $100 (~$4,867/yr on a $480K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Chantilly or Columbia better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. Columbia is a master-planned community in Howard County, known for its village system, lakefront living, and consistently top-ranked schools. 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.