Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $480K), a difference of about $480K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 16 in Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Gaithersburg
MD
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$480K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
12 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Gaithersburg has a 76% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Vienna schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Vienna
VA
Avg Pass Rate
76%
92%
Public schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Gaithersburg
MD
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
Red
Orange
Major Highways
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Vienna is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Gaithersburg. Transit scores: Gaithersburg (32) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kentlands and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Gaithersburg
MD
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
32
30
Bike Score
45
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.3/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
15.1/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Vienna more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Gaithersburg and Vienna?
Gaithersburg public schools have a 76% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg 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, Gaithersburg or Vienna?
Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
How do Gaithersburg and Vienna compare?
Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. 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.
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 June 2026.