City Comparison

Gaithersburg vs Vienna: How they 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. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Gaithersburg's median sold price is $520K with homes averaging 32 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 $520K), a difference of about $600K. Vienna 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

Vienna

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$520K

$1.1M

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

32 days

31 days

Price Range

$175K–$1.2M

$500K–$2.5M

Notable 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

76%
92%

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

42Car-Dependent
42Car-Dependent

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

Average
Very Safe

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 sold price of $520K, 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. 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.

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.

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Gaithersburg vs Vienna: $520K vs $1.1M (2026) | smover