Reston, VA vs Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County), VA

The cost of living difference between Reston, VA and Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County), VA is dramatic. Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County) is 31.1% cheaper than Reston, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Reston has a cost index of 155 while Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County) sits at 118, 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 $1,789/month in Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County) — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County) is more affordable at $309,200 median vs $616,000.

Median household income in Reston is $139,515 compared to $87,897 in Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County) (+58.7%). 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 24.4% in Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County).

Climate-wise, Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County) is notably warmer with an average of 59.3°F compared to 55.7°F in Reston. Reston receives more rainfall at 43.2" per year compared to 41.8" in Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County).