Reston, VA vs Sterling, VA

Sterling is moderately more affordable than Reston, with a 10.4% lower cost of living index. Reston scores 155 compared to 140 for Sterling, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Reston 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 $1,979/month in Sterling — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sterling is more affordable at $508,400 median vs $616,000.

Median household income in Reston is $139,515 compared to $125,753 in Sterling (+10.9%). 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 18.9% in Sterling.

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