Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $560K), a difference of about $400K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Stafford
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$560K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
27 days
12 days
Price Range
$108K–$1.3M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Stafford has a 77% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Stafford include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Stafford schools | See Vienna schools
Stafford
VA
Vienna
VA
Avg Pass Rate
77%
92%
Public schools
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Stafford
VA
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~55 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $560K home in Stafford, you would pay ~$5,874/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $960K home costs ~$10,656/yr. Stafford has the lower rate at $1.049 per $100 of assessed value.
Stafford
VA
Vienna
VA
Rate per $100
$1.049
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,874/yr
$10,656/yr
Notes
None
Fairfax County rate; Town of Vienna adds $0.2275
Walkability
Vienna is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Stafford (8) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Aquia Harbour and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Stafford
VA
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
30
Bike Score
18
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% below Virginia average. Stafford is rated "Safe" (31% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Stafford
VA
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.9/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
10.8/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
31% below Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stafford or Vienna more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Stafford and Vienna?
Stafford public schools have a 77% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Stafford include North Stafford High School and Mountain View 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, Stafford or Vienna?
Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Stafford has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Stafford vs Vienna?
Stafford has a property tax rate of $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$10,656/yr on a $960K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Stafford and Vienna compare?
Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.