Fairfax, VA vs George Mason, VA

Fairfax is moderately more affordable than George Mason, with a 5.1% lower cost of living index. Fairfax scores 158 compared to 167 for George Mason, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of George Mason can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairfax is $2,122/month compared to $2,377/month in George Mason — a 11% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfax is more affordable at $677,400 median vs $687,800.

Median household income in Fairfax is $132,774 compared to $154,479 in George Mason (-14.1%). While George Mason is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairfax spend roughly 19.2% of their income on rent, more than the 18.5% in George Mason.