Cost of living in Fairfax, Virginia
Fairfax County, VA
Part of the Washington Metro Area
Population 1,144,474 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Fairfax
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Fairfax
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Fairfax
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Fairfax
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Fairfax
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Fairfax
State and local tax rates for Virginia.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Fairfax
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Fairfax
What it costs to live in Fairfax each month.
- Rent $2,056
- Energy $202
- Water $55
- Groceries $355
- Transport $250
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $1,089
- State tax $321
- Rent $2,314
- Energy $242
- Water $65
- Groceries $588
- Transport $350
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $2,349
- State tax $698
- Rent $2,893
- Energy $303
- Water $75
- Groceries $893
- Transport $450
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $2,349
- State tax $698
Frequently asked questions about Fairfax
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Fairfax?
In Fairfax, Virginia, a one-bedroom apartment averages $2,056 per month, a two-bedroom averages $2,314 per month, a three-bedroom averages $2,893 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Fairfax?
In Fairfax, Virginia, the average household income is $150,113 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $71,572 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Fairfax?
The estimated cost of living in Fairfax, Virginia is approximately $4,808 per month for a single person, $7,470 for a couple, $10,211 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Fairfax?
The combined sales tax rate in Fairfax, Virginia is 5.75%, which includes the Virginia state rate of 5.30% plus an average local rate of 0.45%.
Is Fairfax an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Fairfax, Virginia would need approximately $4,808 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $150,113 per year ($12,509 per month). Fairfax is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Fairfax?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Fairfax, Virginia is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 7.4% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Fairfax?
The average home value in Fairfax, Virginia is $699,700, with average annual property taxes of $7,072, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Fairfax compare to other areas?
You can compare Fairfax, Virginia with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Fairfax is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area.
Other counties in Virginia
Browse the full list of counties in Virginia, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in VirginiaCompare Fairfax with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP