Reston, VA vs South Riding, VA

Reston is moderately more affordable than South Riding, with a 14.7% lower cost of living index. Reston scores 155 compared to 181 for South Riding, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of South Riding can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Reston is $2,170/month compared to $2,853/month in South Riding — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Reston is more affordable at $616,000 median vs $689,400.

Median household income in Reston is $139,515 compared to $190,701 in South Riding (-26.8%). While South Riding is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Reston spend roughly 18.7% of their income on rent, more than the 18% in South Riding.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (55.7°F vs 55.7°F). South Riding receives more rainfall at 43.2" per year compared to 43.2" in Reston.