Reston, VA vs Staunton, VA

The cost of living difference between Reston, VA and Staunton, VA is dramatic. Staunton is 88% cheaper than Reston, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Reston has a cost index of 155 while Staunton sits at 82, 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 Reston is $2,170/month compared to $993/month in Staunton — a 119% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Staunton is more affordable at $239,300 median vs $616,000.

Median household income in Reston is $139,515 compared to $62,586 in Staunton (+122.9%). While Reston 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, less than the 19% in Staunton.

Climate-wise, Staunton is notably warmer with an average of 58.7°F compared to 55.7°F in Reston. Reston receives more rainfall at 43.2" per year compared to 41.6" in Staunton.