Cost of Living in Fair Oaks, VA

Population 35,472 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

182
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Fair Oaks run well above the national baseline, with a median of $581,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $119,387 place the city among the better-paid Virginia metros.

Fair Oaks sits roughly 14 miles west of Arlington — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than Arlington's $865,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 190
Rent 171

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Fair Oaks

The median home value in Fair Oaks is $580,500 — 90% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,242/month, 71% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $119,387/year is 60% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, above 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 Oaks has a cost of living index of 182 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 82% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$580,500
90% above avg
Median Rent
$2,242/mo
71% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.6x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$970
1 BR
$989
2 BR
$1,200
3 BR
$1,645
4 BR
$1,885
Owner-occupied 44.0%
Renter-occupied 56.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,242
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,856/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
31.3 min
16% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
26.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
64.1%
Carpooled
3.7%
Public transit
1.6%
Walked
2.7%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
26.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 5.6%
State rate 4.3%
Avg local rate 1.3%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$119,387
60% above avg
Per Capita Income
$66,370
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
12% above avg
Poverty Rate
5.5%
Labor Force Participation
77.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 35.7%
Graduate degree 33.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.3
Male median age 35.7
Female median age 34.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
66.0°F
Avg Low
45.3°F
Annual Precip
43.2"
Annual Snowfall
21"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 434655677583888679685747
Low °F 252734435362676558453629
Precip" 2.942.613.503.474.724.304.153.533.943.653.133.30
Snow" 6.97.03.90.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.32.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
59.5%
Good air days/yr
222
Max AQI recorded
216
PM2.5 days
130
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fair Oaks, VA?

Fair Oaks has a cost index of 182 (100 = national average). It is 82% above the national average.

What is average rent in Fair Oaks, VA?

The median gross rent in Fair Oaks is $2,242 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Fair Oaks?

The median home value in Fair Oaks is $580,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Fair Oaks?

The median household income in Fair Oaks is $119,387 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fair Oaks, VA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fair Oaks is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Fair Oaks, VA affordable?

Fair Oaks is above average in cost of living, with an index of 182 — about 82% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Fair Oaks?

Fair Oaks 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 Oaks at a Glance

Population
35,472
Median Income
$119,387
Home Value
$580,500
Median Rent
$2,242/mo
Unemployment
5.4%
Avg High Temp
66.0°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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🗺️ County data for Virginia

Explore county-level cost of living data

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