Carrollton, VA vs Lorton, VA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Carrollton is 26.5% cheaper than Lorton. With a cost index of 120 vs 163, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Carrollton to Lorton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carrollton is $1,793/month compared to $2,537/month in Lorton — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carrollton is more affordable at $381,900 median vs $583,900.

Median household income in Carrollton is $113,813 compared to $136,719 in Lorton (-16.8%). The higher salaries in Lorton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Carrollton spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, less than the 22.3% in Lorton.