Cost of Living in Fairfax, VA [2025]

Although Fairfax is not the biggest city in Virginia, the greater Fairfax County area is the most populated county in the state. It's also rich in history, culture, and modern convenience. Renters move to Fairfax for its proximity to metropolitan Washington D.C. while enjoying small-town appeal with nearby big city perks.

Residents stroll through Old Town Fairfax with preserved historical buildings and explore the city’s vibrant dining and shopping scene with boutique shops to trendy eateries. For outdoor enthusiasts, Fairfax provides easy access to scenic trails and parks, such as the popular Daniels Run Park, perfect for hiking and picnicking.

Whether you’re looking to move to Fairfax to take advantage of the booming economy, access to Washington, DC, or both, you need an idea of your costs. Let’s look at the cost of living in Fairfax to understand better how much you need to live there.

Cost of Living in Fairfax

What Is the Cost of Living in Fairfax, VA?

If you’re considering a move to Fairfax, you’ll discover it’s a sought-after destination for its rich history, well-regarded schools, and proximity to Washington, D.C. The cost of living in Fairfax is 42.4% higher than the national average, but may be worth the trade off for its desirable location and high-quality amenities. Your rent will take up the majority of your budget, but it's important to factor in essentials like groceries, transportation, and utilities as part of your cost of living.

Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Fairfax, VA?

When you make the move to Fairfax, you need to consider how apartment rents will impact your cost of living. Some of the more expensive and sought-after parts of Fairfax include Tyson Corners. According to our data, the average rent in Tysons Corner is $2,176 for a studio, $2,514 for a one-bedroom apartment, and $3,434 for a two-bedroom apartment.

We also pulled data from the cost of living in Tyson Corners to give you an idea of what you'll spend across different cost categories.

Where is the Cost of Living Most Affordable in Fairfax, VA?

The nearby area of Centreville, VA is among the cheapest places to live in Fairfax. A studio in the area runs $2,209 a month, $2,189 for a one-bedroom, $2,579 for a two-bedroom, and $2,866 for a three-bedroom apartment. Although Fairfax and the surrounding county are considered relatively safe, it's always savvy to consider any safety issues or the crime index of any neighborhood you rent in, especially in areas with cheap apartments.

Here's a look at some of the cost categories of living in Centreville, VA.

How Much Is Rent in Fairfax, VA?

We looked over the apartment rental data in February, 2025 and determined the [average rent in Fairfax] (https://www.apartmentlist.com/va/fairfax#rent-report). The overall median rent in the city stands at $2,258, after rising 0.5% last month.

We also expanded our view to the wider Washington metro area and found Fairfax rents are 5.1% higher than the metro-wide median. If we expand our view to the wider Washington metro area, the median rent is $2,149. These figures suggest the median price in Fairfax is 5.1% greater than the price across the metro as a whole. Fairfax’s rent growth over the past year has outpaced both state (3.8%) and national (-0.5%) averages. Prices are now up 5.6% year-over-year.

Here's a look at how some of that data breaks down:

How Much Is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Fairfax?

If you're apartment hunting in Fairfax and need a one-bedroom apartment, you'll spend a median of $1,896 a month. You'll spend more in a trendy neighborhood or want updated amenities and a place near public transportation.

We also looked at areas around Fairfax to give you an idea of what to expect for 1-bedroom rents.

How Much Is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Fairfax?

If you need more room for a roommate or a family, you can find a two-bedroom apartment in Fairfax at $2,169 a month. Rents are also down for a two-bedroom, making your move a little more affordable.

Want to expand your search? Here's a look at what some of the rents are for 2-bedrooms in the surrounding Fairfax, VA areas.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Fairfax?

To determine your ideal salary in Fairfax, consider the 30% rule for rent. If you plan to follow this rule, you should not be spending more than one-third, or 30%, of your gross income on rent.

According to the 30% rule, if your rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Fairfax is $1,896, your monthly wages should be at least $75,840 a year, $6,320 a month or $37.92 an hour. This recommended salary is for a reasonable lifestyle while in Fairfax.

What you earn in Fairfax should reflect your lifestyle and cost of living. According to MIT's most recent data, the living wage in in Fairfax is $29.21 per hour, which reflects the bare basics needed for housing, food, and necessities. You'll need to factor in more breathing room if you want to travel, need to pay down debts, or want to live in the trendiest neighborhoods in Fairfax.

We also looked into the U.S. Census Bureau data and found the median household income in Fairfax is $132,774, $11,064.50 a month, or $67.19 a month. By comparison, the median household income in the United States is $78,538, offering a reasonable cost of living.

Thankfully, the typical annual salaries for common professions in Fairfax are highly competitive. For example, the three highest typical annual salaries belong to Management, Computer and Mathematical, and Legal, respectively.

How Much is Housing in Fairfax, VA?

Similar to the rest of the DC metro area, housing prices in Fairfax are steep. As of 2025, the median home price in the city is $654,200, making homeownership a financial commitment. a significant financial commitment. The median home price is nearly twice as much as the state average and U.S. average. However, the median home prices in Fairfax are significantly lower than Manhattan where the prices soar to $1,169,400.

Fairfax Transportation

Fairfax has several modes of public transportation, including Amtrak, Virginia Railway Express (VRE), PRTC, Loudoun County Transit, Arlington Transit (ART), Fastran, Fairfax CUE, Fairfax Connector, Metrobus/Metrorail, WMATA Trip Planner, and Guaranteed Ride Home. The most extensive local bus system in the Northern Virginia region is the Fairfax Connector, transporting around 26,000 passengers daily across 93 routes.

You might opt for a vehicle of your own to take advantage of all Fairfax offers. If you're a single adult without children, you'll spend about $9,982 for transportation in Fairfax annually. A family of three, including one working adult and two children, will pay $14,552 for transportation annually.

How Much Are Groceries in Fairfax?

Fairfax offers countless dining options, including Pad See Ew and Frozen Thai Tea at Sisters Thai, Mint Chocolate Oreo Milkshakes from The Silver Diner, and fresh-squeezed mimosas from Artie’s.

Eating at an inexpensive restaurant in Fairfax costs an average of $25 for a meal, while a three-course dinner for two people at a mid-range restaurant will run $100 without alcohol or dessert.

If you're a single adult without children, you can expect to pay at least $5,193 on food per year, while a family of three with two working adults and one child should expect to pay $15,264 per year.

How Much Is Child Care in Fairfax?

Childcare is will come at a hefty price tag in Fairfax and may require some creativity and proactive steps if you're on a budget. If you have one child, you need to spend $19,651 for the annual cost of one child at daycare. For two children, you’ll spend around $39,301.

Daycare in Fairfax often comes with wait lists and can fluctuate depending on what area you live in. Settling into an expensive neighborhood will mean your daycare costs will also rise. You can consider lowering your costs by looking into a hybrid work schedule or a nanny share with other parents looking for financial relief.

How Much Is Healthcare in Fairfax, VA?

It's important to prioritize your health in your monthly budget. According to MIT data, a single adult will spend $3,119 a year on healthcare. A family of four with two working adults and two children will spend $9,578 a year. You can lower your expenses by looking for a job with generous employee-sponsored healthcare and a reasonable deductible.

How Much Are Utilities in Fairfax, GA?

Fairfax has four distinct seasons. Summers are humid and warm, while winters are snowy and cold. To combat the cold winters and muggy summers, you'll need to account for higher utilities year-round. Fairfax’s basic utilities include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, running $200.86 for a 915-sq. ft. apartment.

Adding on a phone plan, as well as Internet with 60 Mbps or more with unlimited data, cable/ADSL you'll spend an extra $128.75 for a total of $327.38 each month.

To get a better idea of what to expect and how to budget accordingly, determine how much utilities will cost in an apartment before you move.

Fairfax Fitness & Entertainment

Fairfax’s dramatic year-round climate change means that you might want to consider fitness club membership costs to keep fit. The monthly fee for a fitness club membership for one adult rose to $106.67.

Otherwise, you can enjoy the beautiful Fairfax landscape when the weather permits. Some favorite outdoor activities include walking the Lake Thoreau Loop Trail, biking Mount Vernon, or hiking Burke Lake Park’s trail system.

There is plenty of indoor entertainment throughout the city. For example, if you enjoy the local cinema, it will cost you $15 without snacks or drinks. Or, you can save some cash and check out some of the popular free things in the city like the Fairfax Museum, the Jurassic Encounter at Bull Run Special Events Center, or The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center.

How Much Are Taxes in Fairfax, GA?

Renters should also consider additional expenses in Fairfax, including taxes. Virginia has four tax brackets, which start at a 2 percent tax rate and cap out at 5.75 percent for the highest earners. The minimum combined 2025 sales tax rate for Fairfax County, Virginia, is 6.0%. This figure factors in the total of state, county, and city sales tax rates. However, the Virginia sales tax rate is currently 4.3%.

Find Your Next Apartment in Alexandria, VA

Fairfax's rich history, vibrant culture, and proximity to Washington, D.C. make it a fantastic place to live, work, and explore. With the right resources, you can find an apartment in Fairfax that suits your lifestyle, whether you're relocating for work or seeking a fresh start in a thriving community. Ready to find your next apartment? Start your Fairfax apartment search with our quiz.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Fairfax in 2025:

How expensive is an apartment in Fairfax, VA?

A one-bedroom apartment in Fairfax, VA costs $1,896 a month. A two-bedroom apartment is more expensive at $2,169 a month.

What is the cheapest rent in Fairfax, VA?

Currently, the cheapest median rent in Fairfax, VA is $1,896 a month. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is more expensive at $2,169 a month.

How expensive is it to live in Fairfax, VA?

Fairfax, VA is more expensive than many metro areas. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,896. A single adult will spend an average of $5,193 on food, $9,982 on transportation, and $3,119 on healthcare every year.

What is the population of Fairfax, VA?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Fairfax is 25,144 in 2024. The population of the entire state of Virginia is 8,811,195.

What is a good salary in Fairfax, VA?

To live comfortably in Fairfax, VA, we recommend following the 30% rule. This rule suggests only spending 30% of your gross-monthly income on rent. If you rent a one-bedroom apartment for $1,896 a month, you should earn at least $75,840 a year, $6,320 a month or $37.92 an hour. However, MIT reports the living wage, or the amount it takes to living above the poverty line, is $29.21 a month. This figure considers the amount needed to pay for the basics but does not cover student debt repayments, travel, savings, and luxuries.