Charlottesville, VA vs Reston, VA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Charlottesville is 25.3% cheaper than Reston. With a cost index of 115 vs 155, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Charlottesville to Reston should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Charlottesville is $1,453/month compared to $2,170/month in Reston — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Charlottesville is more affordable at $448,400 median vs $616,000.

Median household income in Charlottesville is $69,829 compared to $139,515 in Reston (-49.9%). While Reston 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 18.7% in Reston.