Herndon, VA vs Smithfield, VA

The cost of living difference between Herndon, VA and Smithfield, VA is dramatic. Smithfield is 51% cheaper than Herndon, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Herndon has a cost index of 150 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 Herndon is $2,147/month compared to $1,182/month in Smithfield — a 82% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Smithfield is more affordable at $358,100 median vs $568,700.

Median household income in Herndon is $141,418 compared to $110,182 in Smithfield (+28.3%). The higher salaries in Herndon partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Herndon spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, more than the 12.9% in Smithfield.