Cost of Living in Fairfax, VA
Population 24,478 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fairfax's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $677,000 for a typical home, 122% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $132,774 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Located 11 miles west of Arlington, Fairfax falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 22% lower than Arlington's $865,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fairfax
The median home value in Fairfax is $677,400 — 122% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,122/month, 61% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $132,774/year is 78% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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, Fairfax has a cost of living index of 198 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 98% 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 | 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 Fairfax, VA?
Fairfax has a cost index of 198 (100 = national average). It is 98% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fairfax, VA?
The median gross rent in Fairfax is $2,122 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fairfax?
The median home value in Fairfax is $677,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fairfax?
The median household income in Fairfax is $132,774 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fairfax, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fairfax is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Fairfax, VA affordable?
Fairfax is above average in cost of living, with an index of 198 — about 98% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Fairfax?
Fairfax 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.
Fairfax at a Glance
- Population
- 24,478
- Median Income
- $132,774
- Home Value
- $677,400
- Median Rent
- $2,122/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Virginia Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs