Fairfax, VA vs Reston, VA

Fairfax, VA and Reston, VA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.3% difference in their overall index. Fairfax scores 158 while Reston scores 155 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 Fairfax is $2,122/month compared to $2,170/month in Reston — a 2% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Fairfax has cheaper rent, Reston actually has lower median home values ($616,000 vs $677,400).

Median household income in Fairfax is $132,774 compared to $139,515 in Reston (-4.8%). Reston offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairfax spend roughly 19.2% of their income on rent, more than the 18.7% in Reston.