Market Overview
Fairfax's median sold price is $767K with homes averaging 25 days on market; Vienna is at $1.1M and 31 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Vienna is pricier ($1.1M median vs $767K), a difference of about $353K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 31 in Vienna. Fairfax offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.5M.
Fairfax
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$767K
$1.1M
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
25 days
31 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$500K–$2.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Fairfax schools | See Vienna schools
Fairfax
VA
Vienna
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
92%
Public 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 $767K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$8,514/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $1.1M home costs ~$12,432/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
$8,514/yr
$12,432/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 sold price of $767K, compared to $1.1M in Vienna (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 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. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Vienna?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley 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, 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 (~$8,514/yr on a $767K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$12,432/yr on a $1.1M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Fairfax and Vienna compare?
Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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 Jul 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.