Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $640K), a difference of about $320K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 14 in Fairfax. Fairfax offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.5M.
Fairfax
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$640K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
12 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 87% in Fairfax. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Fairfax schools | See Vienna schools
Fairfax
VA
Vienna
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
87%
92%
Top Schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Fairfax
VA
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
Orange
Orange
Major Highways
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $640K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$7,104/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $960K home costs ~$10,656/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Fairfax
VA
Vienna
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,104/yr
$10,656/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
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 Fairfax. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
30
Bike Score
42
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% below Virginia average. Fairfax is rated "Safe" (35% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Vienna more affordable?
Fairfax is more affordable with a median home price of $640K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
Which has better schools, Fairfax or Vienna?
Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 87% in Fairfax. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Vienna, standout schools include James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Fairfax or Vienna?
Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Fairfax vs Vienna?
Fairfax has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$10,656/yr on a $960K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Fairfax or Vienna better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.