Market Overview
Fairfax's median sold price is $765K with homes averaging 26 days on market; Rockville is at $647K and 32 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Fairfax is pricier ($765K median vs $647K), a difference of about $118K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 26 days on market compared to 32 in Rockville. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.
Fairfax
VA
Rockville
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$765K
$647K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
26 days
32 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$200K–$1.8M
Notable Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Fairfax schools | See Rockville schools
Fairfax
VA
Rockville
MD
Avg Pass Rate
87%
85%
Public 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 $765K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$8,492/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $647K home costs ~$6,393/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
$8,492/yr
$6,393/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
Find agents in Fairfax
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Fairfax.
View agentsMD
Find agents in Rockville
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Rockville.
View agentsDecided between Fairfax and Rockville? See how buying a home works on smover.
Related Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Rockville more affordable?
Rockville is more affordable with a median sold price of $647K, compared to $765K in Fairfax (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. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Rockville?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
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 (~$8,492/yr on a $765K home). Rockville's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$6,393/yr on a $647K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Fairfax and Rockville compare?
Fairfax combines public 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 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.