Fairfax, VA

Very High · 177

Virginia · Population 24,478 · Updated March 2026

$2,122
Median Rent / Month
$132,774
Median Income
$677,400
Median Home Value
$2,363
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Fairfax

19.2%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Virginia

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

5.75%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
5.3%
Sales Tax
0.8%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$25,464
Annual Rent
$7,635
State Income Tax
$5,419
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Fairfax has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 177 (where 100 equals the national median), Fairfax residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,122/month while earning a median household income of $132,774/year.

The median home value in Fairfax, VA is $677,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,363 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Virginia has a moderate income tax rate of 5.75%. Combined with a 5.3% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Fairfax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Fairfax

What is the cost of living in Fairfax, VA?
The cost of living index in Fairfax, VA is 177 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,122, median household income is $132,774/year, and the median home value is $677,400.
Is Fairfax, VA affordable?
No, Fairfax is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 177. The rent-to-income ratio is 19.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Fairfax, VA?
The median gross rent in Fairfax, VA is $2,122 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $25,464.
What is the median household income in Fairfax?
The median household income in Fairfax, VA is $132,774 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Virginia?
Virginia has a top income tax rate of 5.75%, a sales tax of 5.3%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.8%.