Reston, VA

Very High · 170

Virginia · Population 63,542 · Updated March 2026

$2,170
Median Rent / Month
$139,515
Median Income
$616,000
Median Home Value
$2,280
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Reston

18.7%
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

$26,040
Annual Rent
$8,022
State Income Tax
$4,928
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Reston has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 170 (where 100 equals the national median), Reston residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,170/month while earning a median household income of $139,515/year.

The median home value in Reston, VA is $616,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,280 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% 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 Reston.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Reston

What is the cost of living in Reston, VA?
The cost of living index in Reston, VA is 170 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,170, median household income is $139,515/year, and the median home value is $616,000.
Is Reston, VA affordable?
No, Reston is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 170. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.7%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Reston, VA?
The median gross rent in Reston, VA is $2,170 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $26,040.
What is the median household income in Reston?
The median household income in Reston, VA is $139,515 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%.