Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $560K), a difference of about $80K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 17 in Rockville. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.
Fairfax
VA
Rockville
MD
Median Price
$640K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
17 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$200K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Fairfax leads on school quality with a 87% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 85% in Rockville. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Rockville, families look to Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Fairfax schools | See Rockville schools
Fairfax
VA
Rockville
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
87%
85%
Top Schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Rockville is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Fairfax
VA
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
Orange
Red
Major Highways
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Property Tax
On a $640K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$7,104/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $560K home costs ~$5,533/yr. Rockville has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Fairfax
VA
Rockville
MD
Rate per $100
$1.110
$0.988
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,104/yr
$5,533/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Montgomery County rate; City of Rockville adds $0.328
Walkability
Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
42
Bike Score
42
55
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% below Virginia average. Rockville is rated "Average" (9% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Fairfax
VA
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Rockville more affordable?
Rockville is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, 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. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
Which has better schools, Fairfax or Rockville?
Fairfax has stronger schools overall, with a 87% average pass rate compared to 85% in Rockville. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Rockville, standout schools include Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Fairfax or Rockville?
Rockville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
What are property taxes in Fairfax vs Rockville?
Fairfax has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Rockville's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$5,533/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Fairfax or Rockville better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. 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.