Fair Lakes, VA vs Staunton, VA

The cost of living difference between Fair Lakes, VA and Staunton, VA is dramatic. Staunton is 89.7% cheaper than Fair Lakes, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fair Lakes has a cost index of 156 while Staunton sits at 82, 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 Fair Lakes is $2,325/month compared to $993/month in Staunton — a 134% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Staunton is more affordable at $239,300 median vs $575,500.

Median household income in Fair Lakes is $130,789 compared to $62,586 in Staunton (+109%). While Fair Lakes is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fair Lakes spend roughly 21.3% of their income on rent, more than the 19% in Staunton.