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Cost of Living in Fairfax, VA

Population 25,026 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$2,245
Median home value$722,600
Median household income$132,348

The median rent in Fairfax, VA is $2,245/month, 42% higher than the Virginia median and 59% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $722,600, 117% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $132,348 a year, 42% higher than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 20.4%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $89,800/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 5.5×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $3,654/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Fairfax vs. Virginia vs. U.S.

FairfaxVirginiaU.S.
Median rent$2,245$1,579$1,413
Median home value$722,600$383,700$332,700
Median household income$132,348$93,170$80,734
Homeownership rate69.9%67.3%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher62.4%42.2%35.7%
Poverty rate9.1%9.9%12.5%
Unemployment rate3.3%4.3%5.2%
Work from home29.1%18.3%15.1%
Median age36.639.038.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Fairfax, VA?

The median gross rent in Fairfax, VA is $2,245 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Fairfax, VA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $89,800 a year in gross income.

Is Fairfax, VA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 59% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 5.5 times the median household income.

Other cities in Virginia

Virginia Beach, VARent $1,714 · Income $92,968Chesapeake, VARent $1,586 · Income $95,373Arlington, VARent $2,322 · Income $142,114Norfolk, VARent $1,321 · Income $66,109Richmond, VARent $1,372 · Income $64,587Newport News, VARent $1,339 · Income $69,634

Cities with a similar cost of living

Covington, WARent $2,232 · Income $134,502West Babylon, NYRent $2,225 · Income $129,519Gilroy, CARent $2,301 · Income $133,107Saratoga Springs, UTRent $2,256 · Income $128,802Odenton, MDRent $2,257 · Income $128,441Fish Hawk, FLRent $2,280 · Income $135,271

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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