Market Overview
Williamsburg is pricier ($370K median vs $250K), a difference of about $120K. Both cities average 28 days on market. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Portsmouth
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Median Price
$250K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
28 days
28 days
Price Range
$75K–$550K
$150K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony
Schools
Portsmouth has a 60% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Portsmouth include Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Portsmouth schools | See Williamsburg schools
Portsmouth
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
60%
84%
Public schools
Churchland High School, I.C. Norcom High School, Cradock Middle School
Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Portsmouth is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).
Portsmouth
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
Find agents in Portsmouth
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Portsmouth.
View agentsVA
Find agents in Williamsburg
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Williamsburg.
View agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portsmouth or Williamsburg more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, compared to $370K in Williamsburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Portsmouth and Williamsburg?
Portsmouth public schools have a 60% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Portsmouth include Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Portsmouth or Williamsburg?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Portsmouth has no direct Metro access. Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Portsmouth and Williamsburg compare?
Portsmouth is a waterfront city across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, with a rich naval heritage and a revitalizing downtown. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.