Fair Oaks, VA vs Suffolk, VA

The cost of living difference between Fair Oaks, VA and Suffolk, VA is dramatic. Suffolk is 44.9% cheaper than Fair Oaks, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fair Oaks has a cost index of 154 while Suffolk sits at 106, 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 Oaks is $2,242/month compared to $1,484/month in Suffolk — a 51% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Suffolk is more affordable at $329,600 median vs $580,500.

Median household income in Fair Oaks is $119,387 compared to $90,089 in Suffolk (+32.5%). The higher salaries in Fair Oaks partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Fair Oaks spend roughly 22.5% of their income on rent, more than the 19.8% in Suffolk.