Market Overview
Chantilly is pricier ($710K median vs $480K), a difference of about $230K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 19 in Chantilly. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Chantilly
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Median Price
$710K
$480K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
16 days
Price Range
$25K–$2.8M
$175K–$1.2M
Top 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
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
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
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 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. 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.
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 July 2026.