Market Overview
Stafford is pricier ($560K median vs $560K), a difference of about $0K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Rockville
MD
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$560K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
17 days
27 days
Price Range
$200K–$1.8M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Rockville leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Rockville include Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Rockville schools | See Stafford schools
Rockville
MD
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
85%
77%
Top Schools
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Rockville is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Rockville
MD
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~55 min
Metro Stations
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Red
N/A
Major Highways
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $560K home in Rockville, you would pay ~$5,533/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $560K home costs ~$5,874/yr. Rockville has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Rockville
MD
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$0.988
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,533/yr
$5,874/yr
Notes
Montgomery County rate; City of Rockville adds $0.328
None
Walkability
Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Rockville (42) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Rockville Town Center and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Rockville
MD
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
42
8
Bike Score
55
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% below Virginia average. Rockville is rated "Average" (9% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Rockville
MD
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.1/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
14.2/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
9% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rockville or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, compared to $560K in Rockville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Rockville or Stafford?
Rockville has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Rockville include Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. In Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Rockville or Stafford?
Rockville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville). Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Rockville vs Stafford?
Rockville has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$5,533/yr on a $560K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Rockville or Stafford better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
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 March 2026.