Market Overview
Columbia's median sold price is $485K with homes averaging 24 days on market; Vienna is at $1.1M and 31 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Vienna is pricier ($1.1M median vs $485K), a difference of about $638K. Columbia moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 31 in Vienna. Columbia offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.2M.
Columbia
MD
Vienna
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$485K
$1.1M
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
24 days
31 days
Price Range
$200K–$1.2M
$500K–$2.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
Wilde Lake, Kings Contrivance, River Hill, Long Reach
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Columbia has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Columbia include Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Columbia schools | See Vienna schools
Columbia
MD
Vienna
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
92%
Public schools
Wilde Lake High School, Atholton High School, Hammond High School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Columbia (I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Columbia
MD
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175, Rt 32
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $485K home in Columbia, you would pay ~$4,918/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $1.1M home costs ~$12,460/yr. Columbia has the lower rate at $1.014 per $100 of assessed value.
Columbia
MD
Vienna
VA
Rate per $100
$1.014
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,918/yr
$12,460/yr
Notes
Howard County rate
Fairfax County rate; Town of Vienna adds $0.2275
Walkability
Vienna is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Columbia. Transit scores: Columbia (18) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Wilde Lake and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Columbia
MD
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
30
Bike Score
42
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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.
Columbia
MD
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
12.8/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
18% below Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
MD
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Vienna more affordable?
Columbia is more affordable with a median sold price of $485K, compared to $1.1M in Vienna (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Columbia prices range from $200K–$1.2M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Columbia and Vienna?
Columbia public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Columbia include Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Columbia or Vienna?
Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Columbia has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Columbia vs Vienna?
Columbia has a property tax rate of $1.014 per $100 (~$4,918/yr on a $485K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$12,460/yr on a $1.1M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Columbia and Vienna compare?
Columbia is a master-planned community in Howard County, known for its village system, lakefront living, and area schools. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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 Aug 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.