Cost of Living in Reston, VA
Population 63,542 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Reston run well above the national baseline, with a median of $616,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $139,515 place the city among the better-paid Virginia metros.
Reston 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 29% lower than Arlington's $865,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Reston
The median home value in Reston is $616,000 — 102% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,170/month, 65% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $139,515/year is 87% 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, Reston has a cost of living index of 187 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 87% 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 Reston, VA?
Reston has a cost index of 187 (100 = national average). It is 87% above the national average.
What is average rent in Reston, VA?
The median gross rent in Reston is $2,170 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Reston?
The median home value in Reston is $616,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Reston?
The median household income in Reston is $139,515 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Reston, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Reston is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Reston, VA affordable?
Reston is above average in cost of living, with an index of 187 — about 87% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Reston?
Reston 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.
Reston at a Glance
- Population
- 63,542
- Median Income
- $139,515
- Home Value
- $616,000
- Median Rent
- $2,170/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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