Merrifield, VA

Very High · 178

Virginia · Population 20,549 · Updated March 2026

$2,308
Median Rent / Month
$136,173
Median Income
$637,600
Median Home Value
$2,392
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Merrifield

20.3%
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

$27,696
Annual Rent
$7,830
State Income Tax
$5,101
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Merrifield has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 178 (where 100 equals the national median), Merrifield residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,308/month while earning a median household income of $136,173/year.

The median home value in Merrifield, VA is $637,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,392 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% 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 Merrifield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Merrifield

What is the cost of living in Merrifield, VA?
The cost of living index in Merrifield, VA is 178 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,308, median household income is $136,173/year, and the median home value is $637,600.
Is Merrifield, VA affordable?
No, Merrifield is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 178. The rent-to-income ratio is 20.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Merrifield, VA?
The median gross rent in Merrifield, VA is $2,308 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $27,696.
What is the median household income in Merrifield?
The median household income in Merrifield, VA is $136,173 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%.