Cost of Living in Fair Lakes, VA
Population 8,617 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Fair Lakes run well above the national baseline, with a median of $576,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $130,789 place the city among the better-paid Virginia metros. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 15 miles west of Arlington, Fair Lakes falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than Arlington's $865,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fair Lakes
The median home value in Fair Lakes is $575,500 — 89% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,325/month, 77% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $130,789/year is 75% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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 66.0°F and lows of 45.3°F, with about 21" of annual snowfall. Overall, Fair Lakes has a cost of living index of 184 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 84% more expensive.
Fair Lakes has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 43 | 46 | 55 | 67 | 75 | 83 | 88 | 86 | 79 | 68 | 57 | 47 |
| Low °F | 25 | 27 | 34 | 43 | 53 | 62 | 67 | 65 | 58 | 45 | 36 | 29 |
| Precip" | 2.94 | 2.61 | 3.50 | 3.47 | 4.72 | 4.30 | 4.15 | 3.53 | 3.94 | 3.65 | 3.13 | 3.30 |
| Snow" | 6.9 | 7.0 | 3.9 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 2.8 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fair Lakes, VA?
Fair Lakes has a cost index of 184 (100 = national average). It is 84% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fair Lakes, VA?
The median gross rent in Fair Lakes is $2,325 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fair Lakes?
The median home value in Fair Lakes is $575,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Fair Lakes?
The median household income in Fair Lakes is $130,789 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fair Lakes, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fair Lakes is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Fair Lakes, VA affordable?
Fair Lakes is above average in cost of living, with an index of 184 — about 84% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Fair Lakes?
Fair Lakes has average high temperatures of 66.0°F and average lows of 45.3°F. Annual precipitation is 43.2". Average annual snowfall is 21". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fair Lakes at a Glance
- Population
- 8,617
- Median Income
- $130,789
- Home Value
- $575,500
- Median Rent
- $2,325/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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