Fair Lakes, VA vs Herndon, VA

Fair Lakes, VA and Herndon, VA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4% difference in their overall index. Fair Lakes scores 156 while Herndon scores 150 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fair Lakes is $2,325/month compared to $2,147/month in Herndon — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Herndon is more affordable at $568,700 median vs $575,500.

Median household income in Fair Lakes is $130,789 compared to $141,418 in Herndon (-7.5%). Herndon offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fair Lakes spend roughly 21.3% of their income on rent, more than the 18.2% in Herndon.