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Side-by-side comparison

Fairfax vs New York City

Cost of living comparison for Fairfax, Virginia and New York City, New York.

Bottom line

New York City is approximately 11% more expensive than Fairfax. A single person needs about $5,319/mo in New York City versus $4,808/mo in Fairfax.

Rent in Fairfax vs New York City

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Fairfax · Studio
$2,012
New York City · Studio
$2,406
New York City is $394 (20%) higher than Fairfax
Fairfax · 1 bedroom
$2,056
New York City · 1 bedroom
$2,511
New York City is $455 (22%) higher than Fairfax
Fairfax · 2 bedroom
$2,314
New York City · 2 bedroom
$2,780
New York City is $466 (20%) higher than Fairfax
Fairfax · 3 bedroom
$2,893
New York City · 3 bedroom
$3,465
New York City is $572 (20%) higher than Fairfax

Income & earnings in Fairfax vs New York City

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Fairfax · Household income
$150,113
New York City · Household income
$104,553
Fairfax is $45,560 (44%) higher than New York City
Fairfax · Individual earnings
$71,572
New York City · Individual earnings
$75,255
New York City is $3,683 (5%) higher than Fairfax
Fairfax · Per capita
$69,971
New York City · Per capita
$94,922
New York City is $24,951 (36%) higher than Fairfax

Home values in Fairfax vs New York City

Average values and property tax.

Fairfax · Average home value
$699,700
New York City · Average home value
$1,108,900
New York City is $409,200 (58%) higher than Fairfax
Fairfax · Annual property tax
$7,072
New York City · Annual property tax
$10,001
New York City is $2,929 (41%) higher than Fairfax

Energy in Fairfax vs New York City

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Fairfax · Monthly electricity
$153
New York City · Monthly electricity
$140
Fairfax is $13 (9%) higher than New York City
Fairfax · Monthly gas
$49
New York City · Monthly gas
$68
New York City is $19 (39%) higher than Fairfax
Fairfax · Annual total
$2,424
New York City · Annual total
$2,496
New York City is $72 (3%) higher than Fairfax

Healthcare in Fairfax vs New York City

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Fairfax · Individual premium
$480
New York City · Individual premium
$480
Fairfax and New York City are about the same
Fairfax · Family premium
$1,350
New York City · Family premium
$1,350
Fairfax and New York City are about the same
Fairfax · Uninsured rate
7.4%
New York City · Uninsured rate
4.3%
Fairfax is 3.1% (72%) higher than New York City

Taxes in Fairfax vs New York City

State income and sales tax.

Fairfax · State income tax
5.8%
New York City · State income tax
10.9%
New York City is 5.2% (90%) higher than Fairfax
Fairfax · State sales tax
5.3%
New York City · State sales tax
4.0%
Fairfax is 1.3% (32%) higher than New York City
Fairfax · Combined sales tax
5.8%
New York City · Combined sales tax
8.5%
New York City is 2.8% (48%) higher than Fairfax

Transportation in Fairfax vs New York City

Commute time and travel modes.

Fairfax · Average commute
29.5 min
New York City · Average commute
31.4 min
New York City is 1.9 min (6%) higher than Fairfax
Fairfax · Drive alone
57.9%
New York City · Drive alone
5.7%
Fairfax is 52.2% (916%) higher than New York City
Fairfax · Public transit
5.3%
New York City · Public transit
45.5%
New York City is 40.2% (758%) higher than Fairfax

Monthly cost estimates in Fairfax vs New York City

All categories combined.

Fairfax · Single person
$4,808
New York City · Single person
$5,319
New York City is $511 (11%) higher than Fairfax
Fairfax · Couple
$7,470
New York City · Couple
$6,684
Fairfax is $786 (12%) higher than New York City
Fairfax · Family
$10,211
New York City · Family
$9,554
Fairfax is $657 (7%) higher than New York City

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Fairfax and New York City.

Is Fairfax or New York City more expensive?

New York City is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $4,808/mo in Fairfax, Virginia and $5,319/mo in New York City, New York, a difference of about 11%.

What is the rent difference between Fairfax and New York City?

Average one-bedroom rent in Fairfax, Virginia is $2,056/mo versus $2,511/mo in New York City, New York. New York City is approximately $455 (22%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Fairfax or New York City?

Fairfax has the higher average household income. Fairfax households earn approximately $150,113 per year; New York City households earn approximately $104,553 per year.

More on Fairfax and New York City

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.