Fairfax, VA vs Smithfield, VA

The cost of living difference between Fairfax, VA and Smithfield, VA is dramatic. Smithfield is 59.2% cheaper than Fairfax, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairfax has a cost index of 158 while Smithfield sits at 99, 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 Fairfax is $2,122/month compared to $1,182/month in Smithfield — a 80% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Smithfield is more affordable at $358,100 median vs $677,400.

Median household income in Fairfax is $132,774 compared to $110,182 in Smithfield (+20.5%). Fairfax does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairfax spend roughly 19.2% of their income on rent, more than the 12.9% in Smithfield.