City Comparison

Fairfax vs Virginia Beach: How they compare

Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Virginia Beach is the state's most populous city, offering oceanfront living, a thriving resort economy, and proximity to major military installations. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Fairfax's median sold price is $765K with homes averaging 26 days on market; Virginia Beach is at $364K and 18 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Fairfax is pricier ($765K median vs $364K), a difference of about $401K. Virginia Beach moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 26 in Fairfax. Virginia Beach offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M+.

Fairfax

VA

Virginia Beach

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$765K

$364K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

26 days

18 days

Price Range

$350K–$1.5M

$175K–$2M+

Notable Neighborhoods

Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills

Oceanfront, Town Center, Great Neck, Kempsville

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fairfax or Virginia Beach more affordable?

Virginia Beach is more affordable with a median sold price of $364K, 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. Virginia Beach prices range from $175K–$2M+.

How do Fairfax and Virginia Beach compare?

Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Virginia Beach is the state's most populous city, offering oceanfront living, a thriving resort economy, and proximity to major military installations. 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.

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Fairfax vs Virginia Beach: $765K vs $364K (2026) | smover