City Comparison

Fairfax vs Montgomery County: How they compare

Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Montgomery County is Maryland's wealthiest and most populous county, home to Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, and Silver Spring. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $516K), a difference of about $125K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 44 in Montgomery County. Montgomery County offers a lower entry point at $250K–$5M+.

Fairfax

VA

Montgomery County

MD

Median Price

$640K

$516K

Avg Days on Market

14 days

44 days

Price Range

$350K–$1.5M

$250K–$5M+

Top Neighborhoods

Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills

Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, Silver Spring

VA

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fairfax or Montgomery County more affordable?

Montgomery County is more affordable with a median home price of $516K, compared to $640K in Fairfax. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. Montgomery County prices range from $250K–$5M+.

How do Fairfax and Montgomery County compare?

Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Montgomery County is Maryland's wealthiest and most populous county, home to Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, and Silver Spring. 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 June 2026.

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Fairfax vs Montgomery County: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover