Abingdon, VA vs Fairfax, VA

The cost of living difference between Abingdon, VA and Fairfax, VA is dramatic. Abingdon is 54.7% cheaper than Fairfax, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Abingdon has a cost index of 72 while Fairfax sits at 158, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Abingdon is $794/month compared to $2,122/month in Fairfax — a 63% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Abingdon is more affordable at $217,700 median vs $677,400.

Median household income in Abingdon is $54,976 compared to $132,774 in Fairfax (-58.6%). While Fairfax is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Abingdon spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, less than the 19.2% in Fairfax.