City Comparison

Chantilly vs Gaithersburg: How they compare

Chantilly offers spacious homes and public schools in western Fairfax County. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Chantilly's median sold price is $700K with homes averaging 24 days on market; Gaithersburg is at $520K and 32 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Chantilly is pricier ($700K median vs $520K), a difference of about $180K. Chantilly moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 32 in Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.

Chantilly

VA

Gaithersburg

MD

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$700K

$520K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

24 days

32 days

Price Range

$25K–$2.8M

$175K–$1.2M

Notable Neighborhoods

Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields

Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square

Schools

Chantilly has a 85% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School; in Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. See Chantilly schools | See Gaithersburg schools

Chantilly

VA

Gaithersburg

MD

Avg Pass Rate

85%

76%

Public schools

Chantilly High School, Rocky Run Middle School, Greenbriar West Elementary

Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School

Pass Rate

85%
76%

Commute

Gaithersburg is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Chantilly has 1 Metro station, including Dulles Airport on the Silver line. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Chantilly (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50), Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355).

Chantilly

VA

Gaithersburg

MD

Drive to Downtown

~40 min

~35 min

Metro Stations

1 Metro station (nearest: Dulles Airport)

1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)

Metro Lines

Silver

Red

Major Highways

I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50

I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28

Commuter Rail

None

MARC (Brunswick Line)

Walkability

Gaithersburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 20 in Chantilly. Transit scores: Chantilly (12) vs Gaithersburg (32). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Sully Station and Kentlands score much higher than suburban areas.

Chantilly

VA

Gaithersburg

MD

Walk Score

20Almost All Errands Require a Car
42Car-Dependent

Transit Score

12

32

Bike Score

22

45

Safety

Chantilly is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 44% below Virginia average. Gaithersburg is rated "Average" (Near 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

Gaithersburg

MD

Safety Rating

Very Safe
Average

Violent Crime

0.6/1K

1.3/1K

Property Crime

8.8/1K

15.1/1K

vs Virginia Avg

44% below Virginia average

Near Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chantilly or Gaithersburg more affordable?

Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $520K, compared to $700K in Chantilly (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chantilly prices range from $25K–$2.8M. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Chantilly and Gaithersburg?

Chantilly public schools have a 85% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School; in Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Chantilly or Gaithersburg?

Gaithersburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Chantilly has Metro access (Dulles Airport). Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove).

How do Chantilly and Gaithersburg compare?

Chantilly offers spacious homes and public schools in western Fairfax County. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. 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.

Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 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 August 2026.

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Chantilly vs Gaithersburg: $700K vs $520K (2026) | smover