Cost of Living in Great Falls, VA
Population 14,854 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Great Falls's housing market is in a category of its own — median home values around $1.3 million sit roughly 4 times the US figure, reflecting a market driven as much by second-home and resort buyers as by year-round residents.
Geographically, Great Falls sits roughly 14 miles northwest of Arlington. Median home values run roughly 55% higher than Arlington's $865,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Great Falls
The median home value in Great Falls is $1,342,400 — 340% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,463/month, 164% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $250,001/year is 235% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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%. Overall, Great Falls has a cost of living index of 369 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 269% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Great Falls, VA?
Great Falls has a cost index of 369 (100 = national average). It is 269% above the national average.
What is average rent in Great Falls, VA?
The median gross rent in Great Falls is $3,463 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Great Falls?
The median home value in Great Falls is $1,342,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Great Falls?
The median household income in Great Falls is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Great Falls, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Great Falls is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Great Falls, VA affordable?
Great Falls is above average in cost of living, with an index of 369 — about 269% higher than the national average.
Great Falls at a Glance
- Population
- 14,854
- Median Income
- $250,001
- Home Value
- $1,342,400
- Median Rent
- $3,463/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- 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