Cost of Living in Merrifield, VA
Population 20,549 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Merrifield sits 109% above the national median — $638,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $136,173 (83% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. An unemployment rate of 2.2% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Merrifield sits roughly 7 miles west of Arlington — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 26% lower than Arlington's $865,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Merrifield
The median home value in Merrifield is $637,600 — 109% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,308/month, 76% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $136,173/year is 83% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, 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 67.8°F and lows of 50.9°F, with about 13.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Merrifield has a cost of living index of 196 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 96% 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 | 57 | 68 | 77 | 85 | 90 | 88 | 81 | 69 | 58 | 49 |
| Low °F | 30 | 32 | 39 | 48 | 58 | 68 | 72 | 71 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 35 |
| Precip" | 2.86 | 2.62 | 3.50 | 3.21 | 3.94 | 4.20 | 4.33 | 3.25 | 3.93 | 3.66 | 2.91 | 3.41 |
| Snow" | 4.9 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Merrifield, VA?
Merrifield has a cost index of 196 (100 = national average). It is 96% above the national average.
What is average rent in Merrifield, VA?
The median gross rent in Merrifield is $2,308 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Merrifield?
The median home value in Merrifield is $637,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Merrifield?
The median household income in Merrifield is $136,173 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Merrifield, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Merrifield is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Merrifield, VA affordable?
Merrifield is above average in cost of living, with an index of 196 — about 96% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Merrifield?
Merrifield has average high temperatures of 67.8°F and average lows of 50.9°F. Annual precipitation is 41.8". Average annual snowfall is 13.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Merrifield at a Glance
- Population
- 20,549
- Median Income
- $136,173
- Home Value
- $637,600
- Median Rent
- $2,308/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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