Charlottesville, VA vs Fairfax, VA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Charlottesville is 27% cheaper than Fairfax. With a cost index of 115 vs 158, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Charlottesville to Fairfax should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Charlottesville is $1,453/month compared to $2,122/month in Fairfax — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Charlottesville is more affordable at $448,400 median vs $677,400.

Median household income in Charlottesville is $69,829 compared to $132,774 in Fairfax (-47.4%). 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 Charlottesville spend roughly 25% of their income on rent, more than the 19.2% in Fairfax.