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Cost of Living in Fairfax County

Is it better to rent or buy in Fairfax County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$162,891
$2,516/mo

Median in area: $2,516

$738,462

Median in area: $738,462

$147,692

If you Rent

🔑
$2,706 /mo
Base Rent$2,516
Est. Utilities$190
% of Income19.9%
Pre-tax Residual$10,868

If you Buy

🏠
$4,764 /mo
P&I (6.811%)$3,856
Taxes & Ins$718
Est. Utilities$190
% of Income35.1%
Pre-tax Residual$8,811

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Fairfax County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyCharles County, MD
$1,901/mo
countyFairfax City, VA
$2,198/mo
countyFairfax City, VA
$2,175/mo
countyMontgomery County, MD
$2,345/mo
countyLoudoun County, VA
$2,590/mo
countyPrince William County, VA
$2,262/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Fairfax County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Fairfax County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,706, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $4,764 per month (a difference of $2,058).

How much do utilities cost in Fairfax County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Fairfax County is approximately $190. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Fairfax County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Fairfax County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $108,240 per year.