Fairfax is considered moderately priced in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,850 per month. Overall living costs, including housing, groceries, utilities, and taxes, tend to be slightly higher than the national average.
Housing Costs in Fairfax
When budgeting for a move to Fairfax, housing will likely be your biggest expense. In 2025, the typical rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Fairfax is around $1,850 per month. If you’re looking to purchase a home, the median price for a 3-bedroom single-family house is approximately $450,000.
Fairfax offers a mix of newer apartment complexes and established neighborhoods with single-family homes. Many communities have active homeowners associations (HOAs) that maintain common areas and amenities. HOA fees can add $200-400 to your monthly housing costs, so be sure to factor that into your budget when planning your move.
Here’s a snapshot of typical housing costs in different Fairfax neighborhoods:
| Neighborhood | 2BR Apartment Rent | 3BR Home Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfax City | $2,000 | $500,000 |
| Oakton | $1,800 | $450,000 |
| Centreville | $1,700 | $400,000 |
Utility Costs in Fairfax
Utility expenses in Fairfax are fairly consistent with national averages. Expect to budget around $200 per month for electricity, natural gas, water, and trash service for a 2-bedroom apartment. Larger homes may see utility bills closer to $250-300 monthly.
Keep in mind that utility costs can vary seasonally. Electricity bills tend to be highest in the summer months when air conditioning use peaks. Natural gas costs rise in the winter as furnaces work harder to heat homes.
| Utility | Avg. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $100 |
| Natural Gas | $50 |
| Water/Sewer | $30 |
| Trash | $20 |
Grocery and Food Costs
Groceries for a single adult in Fairfax generally run $300-400 per month, while a couple can expect to spend $500-700 on food to cook at home. Here’s what a typical grocery basket might cost:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 gal) | $3.50 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $2.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.50 |
| Chicken (1 lb) | $4.00 |
| Ground Beef (1 lb) | $5.00 |
| Rice (1 lb) | $1.50 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.00 |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $8.00 |
Of course, your food budget will be higher if you frequently dine out. A meal at a casual restaurant in Fairfax averages $15-25 per person, while fast food runs closer to $8-12.
Taxes and Fees in Fairfax
Fairfax County has a property tax rate of $1.14 per $100 of assessed value. For a home worth $450,000, that translates to an annual property tax bill around $5,130. The sales tax rate in Fairfax is 6%, which is slightly lower than some other parts of Northern Virginia.
In addition to these major taxes, Fairfax residents should budget for:
- Vehicle registration fees ($40.75 annually per vehicle)
- Personal property tax on vehicles (based on assessed value)
- Annual vehicle safety inspections ($20)
- Pet licensing fees ($10 annually per pet)
Monthly Budget Summary
So what does it really cost to live comfortably in Fairfax? Here’s a high-level budget breakdown for three common household types:
| Expense | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent) | $1,500 | $1,850 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $150 | $200 | $300 |
| Groceries | $350 | $600 | $900 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $500 |
| Taxes/Fees | $300 | $400 | $600 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 | $750 | $1,000 |
| Monthly Total (Gross) | $3,000 | $4,100 | $5,500 |
Methodology: These 2025 estimates for Fairfax draw on publicly available national and regional sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED). Where city-specific figures are unavailable, safe regional ranges are applied (e.g., typical 2BR rents, grocery costs per adult). All amounts are expressed as gross monthly income (pre-tax) and rounded to whole dollars. Actual expenses vary by household size, lifestyle, and neighborhood choice.
Lifestyle Considerations
While Fairfax tends to have higher living costs than the U.S. average, many residents feel the premium is worthwhile given the area’s strong job market, great schools, and abundance of parks and green space. Traffic congestion is a factor though, with average one-way commutes around 30 minutes.
Newer luxury apartments near shopping and dining come with higher rents, but may enable a “car-lite” lifestyle with lower transportation costs. More affordable rents can be found in older complexes or eastern parts of the county, with the tradeoff of a longer commute. Single-family homes offer more space but come with higher mortgages and property taxes.
Ultimately, the right Fairfax neighborhood for you depends on your budget, lifestyle, and commute. Regardless of where you land, expect a cost of living that’s moderately higher than the national average, offset by excellent amenities and a strong community vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax more affordable than Washington, D.C. in 2025?
Yes, Fairfax tends to be more affordable than Washington, D.C. proper. Housing costs in particular are significantly lower, with Fairfax rents and home prices averaging 20-30% less than comparable properties in the District.
What is a realistic monthly budget for a couple in Fairfax?
For a couple to live comfortably in Fairfax, a good target is $4,000-4,500 in gross monthly income. This breaks down to roughly $1,850 for rent, $200 for utilities, $600 for groceries, $300 for transportation, $400 for taxes, and $750 for miscellaneous expenses.
Do utilities cost more in Fairfax than other Northern Virginia cities?
Utility costs in Fairfax are generally on par with other parts of Northern Virginia. Expect to pay around $200 per month for electricity, gas, water and trash in a typical 2-bedroom apartment.
How much does a family of four spend on groceries in Fairfax per month?
A family of four in Fairfax should budget at least $900 per month for groceries. This assumes primarily cooking at home. Dining out regularly will increase your food spending considerably.
Are property taxes higher in Fairfax County than neighboring counties?
Property tax rates in Fairfax County are slightly lower than in Arlington or Alexandria, but higher than in Prince William or Loudoun counties. However, actual tax bills also depend on property values, which tend to be higher in Fairfax.