Market Overview
Gaithersburg's median sold price is $520K with homes averaging 32 days on market; Rockville is at $641K and 31 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Rockville is pricier ($641K median vs $520K), a difference of about $121K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 31 days on market compared to 32 in Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Gaithersburg
MD
Rockville
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$520K
$641K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
32 days
31 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$200K–$1.8M
Notable Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Gaithersburg has a 76% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Rockville schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Rockville
MD
Avg Pass Rate
76%
85%
Public schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle 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. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Gaithersburg
MD
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
Red
Red
Major Highways
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Gaithersburg. Transit scores: Gaithersburg (32) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kentlands and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Gaithersburg
MD
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
32
42
Bike Score
45
55
Safety
Rockville is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 9% below Virginia average. Gaithersburg is rated "Average" (Near Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Gaithersburg
MD
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.3/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
15.1/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Rockville more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $520K, compared to $641K in Rockville (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. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Gaithersburg and Rockville?
Gaithersburg public schools have a 76% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg 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, Gaithersburg or Rockville?
Rockville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
How do Gaithersburg and Rockville compare?
Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. 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 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.