Market Overview
Chantilly is pricier ($710K median vs $640K), a difference of about $70K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 19 in Chantilly. Fairfax offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.5M.
Chantilly
VA
Fairfax
VA
Median Price
$710K
$640K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
14 days
Price Range
$25K–$2.8M
$350K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Schools
Fairfax 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 Fairfax, families look to Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Chantilly schools | See Fairfax schools
Chantilly
VA
Fairfax
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
85%
87%
Top Schools
Chantilly High School, Rocky Run Middle School, Greenbriar West Elementary
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fairfax is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Chantilly has 1 Metro station, including Dulles Airport on the Silver line. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Chantilly (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50), Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50).
Chantilly
VA
Fairfax
VA
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
1 Metro station (nearest: Dulles Airport)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
Silver
Orange
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $710K home in Chantilly, you would pay ~$7,881/yr in property tax. In Fairfax, a $640K home costs ~$7,104/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Chantilly
VA
Fairfax
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,881/yr
$7,104/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Walkability
Fairfax is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 20 in Chantilly. Transit scores: Chantilly (12) vs Fairfax (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Sully Station and Mantua score much higher than suburban areas.
Chantilly
VA
Fairfax
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
28
Bike Score
22
42
Safety
Chantilly is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 44% below Virginia average. Fairfax is rated "Safe" (35% 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
Fairfax
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
8.8/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
44% below Virginia average
35% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chantilly or Fairfax more affordable?
Fairfax is more affordable with a median home price of $640K, 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. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Chantilly or Fairfax?
Fairfax 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 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, Chantilly or Fairfax?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Chantilly has Metro access (Dulles Airport). Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Chantilly vs Fairfax?
Chantilly has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K 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 Chantilly or Fairfax better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. 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.