Newington, VA vs Sterling, VA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Sterling is 17.9% cheaper than Newington. With a cost index of 140 vs 165, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Sterling to Newington should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Newington is $2,662/month compared to $1,979/month in Sterling — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sterling is more affordable at $508,400 median vs $560,900.

Median household income in Newington is $146,681 compared to $125,753 in Sterling (+16.6%). The higher salaries in Newington partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Newington spend roughly 21.8% of their income on rent, more than the 18.9% in Sterling.