Herndon, VA vs Reston, VA

Herndon, VA and Reston, VA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3% difference in their overall index. Herndon scores 150 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 Herndon is $2,147/month compared to $2,170/month in Reston — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Herndon is more affordable at $568,700 median vs $616,000.

Median household income in Herndon is $141,418 compared to $139,515 in Reston (+1.4%). Herndon offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Herndon spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, less than the 18.7% in Reston.