Market Overview
Chantilly is pricier ($710K median vs $560K), a difference of about $150K. Chantilly moves faster, with homes averaging 19 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Chantilly
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$710K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
27 days
Price Range
$25K–$2.8M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Chantilly leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Chantilly schools | See Stafford schools
Chantilly
VA
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
85%
77%
Top Schools
Chantilly High School, Rocky Run Middle School, Greenbriar West Elementary
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Chantilly is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Chantilly has 1 Metro station, including Dulles Airport on the Silver line. Major highway access: Chantilly (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Chantilly
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~55 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 1, Rt 610
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $710K home in Chantilly, you would pay ~$7,881/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $560K home costs ~$5,874/yr. Stafford has the lower rate at $1.049 per $100 of assessed value.
Chantilly
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,881/yr
$5,874/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
None
Walkability
Chantilly is more walkable with a Walk Score of 20 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Chantilly (12) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Sully Station and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Chantilly
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
8
Bike Score
22
18
Safety
Chantilly is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 44% below Virginia average. Stafford is rated "Safe" (31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
8.8/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
44% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chantilly or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, 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. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Chantilly or Stafford?
Chantilly has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Chantilly or Stafford?
Chantilly has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Chantilly has Metro access (Dulles Airport). Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Chantilly vs Stafford?
Chantilly has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Chantilly or Stafford better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.