Sterling, VA

Very High · 148

Virginia · Population 31,251 · Updated March 2026

$1,979
Median Rent / Month
$125,753
Median Income
$508,400
Median Home Value
$2,026
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Sterling

18.9%
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

$23,748
Annual Rent
$7,231
State Income Tax
$4,067
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Sterling has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 148 (where 100 equals the national median), Sterling residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,979/month while earning a median household income of $125,753/year.

The median home value in Sterling, VA is $508,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,026 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% 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 Sterling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Sterling

What is the cost of living in Sterling, VA?
The cost of living index in Sterling, VA is 148 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,979, median household income is $125,753/year, and the median home value is $508,400.
Is Sterling, VA affordable?
No, Sterling is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 148. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Sterling, VA?
The median gross rent in Sterling, VA is $1,979 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $23,748.
What is the median household income in Sterling?
The median household income in Sterling, VA is $125,753 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%.