Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $250K), a difference of about $710K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 28 in Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Portsmouth
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$250K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
28 days
12 days
Price Range
$75K–$550K
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Portsmouth has a 60% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Portsmouth include Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Portsmouth schools | See Vienna schools
Portsmouth
VA
Vienna
VA
Avg Pass Rate
60%
92%
Public schools
Churchland High School, I.C. Norcom High School, Cradock Middle School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Portsmouth is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Portsmouth
VA
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portsmouth or Vienna more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Portsmouth and Vienna?
Portsmouth public schools have a 60% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Portsmouth include Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom 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, Portsmouth or Vienna?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Portsmouth has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
How do Portsmouth and Vienna compare?
Portsmouth is a waterfront city across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, with a rich naval heritage and a revitalizing downtown. 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.