Cost of Living in Dale City, VA
Population 72,793 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Dale City is a long average commute — 42 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost.
Geographically, Dale City sits roughly 20 miles southwest of Alexandria. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Alexandria's $697,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Dale City
The median home value in Dale City is $400,100 — 31% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,868/month, 42% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $113,245/year is 52% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 67.1°F and lows of 49.1°F, with about 12.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Dale City has a cost of living index of 136 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45 | 48 | 56 | 68 | 76 | 84 | 88 | 86 | 80 | 69 | 58 | 49 |
| Low °F | 28 | 30 | 37 | 47 | 57 | 66 | 71 | 69 | 62 | 50 | 39 | 32 |
| Precip" | 2.66 | 2.36 | 3.58 | 3.16 | 3.63 | 3.53 | 4.64 | 4.24 | 3.43 | 3.33 | 3.14 | 3.33 |
| Snow" | 3.5 | 5.8 | 1.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dale City, VA?
Dale City has a cost index of 136 (100 = national average). It is 36% above the national average.
What is average rent in Dale City, VA?
The median gross rent in Dale City is $1,868 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dale City?
The median home value in Dale City is $400,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Dale City?
The median household income in Dale City is $113,245 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dale City, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dale City is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Dale City, VA affordable?
Dale City is above average in cost of living, with an index of 136 — about 36% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Dale City?
Dale City has average high temperatures of 67.1°F and average lows of 49.1°F. Annual precipitation is 41". Average annual snowfall is 12.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Dale City at a Glance
- Population
- 72,793
- Median Income
- $113,245
- Home Value
- $400,100
- Median Rent
- $1,868/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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