Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have spent a lot of time in our homes. After some time, many people felt the need to move or change the scenery for various reasons. If you are among them and considering moving to Fairfax County, then you need to know that this is a great place to live in. For those looking for better job opportunities, or looking forward to starting a family, Fairfax County is among the most popular in the US. But before hiring Northern Virginia Movers you need to inform yourself well about the options the county offers. This is among the wealthiest counties in the States. And for this reason, many young professionals and families decide to move here. If you wish to discover more about the cost of Living in Fairfax County and its living options, read this article to discover all you need to know.
Get to know Fairfax County
Even though it geographically belongs to Virginia, Fairfax County is practically one of the suburbs of Washington, D.C. With a population of around 25,000 residents, this beautiful county offers great living options. The fact that the majority of the population are homeowners tells a lot about the economy of the county. When booking moving companies Springfield VA, you need to know that the county offers great education and healthcare options. In addition, there are plenty of outdoor and sports activities that you can catch here. In 2017 and 2018, Forbes proclaimed this county to be one of the best places to live in Northern Virginia.
A fairly strong economy
Fairfax County has one of the strongest economies in the state. The fact that it is so close to Washington D.C. provides great business opportunities. This county has one of the most diverse business communities. There are many transformational companies that praise hard work and talent. Hire one of the moving companies Mount Vernon and come to one of the largest numbers of minority-owned employer firms. New business owners say that this is one of the best places to start a business in the US. Real taste is one of the most popular industries in the county. In addition, two major colleges, George Mason and the Northern Virginia Community College cultivate an excellent workforce.
Cost of living in Fairfax County
Many statistics researchers will say that the cost of living in Fairfax County is fairly high. From one point that is true. For example, real estate is expensive. On the other hand, there is a large annual income that makes a perfect balance in terms of earnings and costs of living. In addition, this county has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. Fairfax County’s median household income is $124,831. This is about 85% higher than the national median household income of $67,521. The average cost of living in Fairfax County is $2582. If you compare it to the average salary of $6515, it is enough to cover the living expenses for two months. The county is in the 776th place as one of the best places to live in the world.
Median home price in Fairfax County
The median home price in Fairfax County is $500,000. In addition, the median price per square foot is $308. When it comes to your monthly budget, housing is the biggest monthly cost that you will have in this county. For example, to rent a 2-bedroom home in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria DC, you will have to pay $2,396. When booking moving companies Woodbridge VA, be ready to pay 104% more for the rent than the national average. Certainly, renting prices depend on the neighborhood that you choose for living, and prices may vary.
What is the utility cost of living in Fairfax County?
When it comes to utility costs, you need to be aware of the fact that in Fairfax County you will pay more than the national average. The basic costs include electricity, hearing, cooling, and water. If you are living as a single person in this county, plan to spend around $170 a month on electricity. Families who plan to hire moving companies Burke VA and relocate here will need to spend around $206 per month on electricity. That’s 1% higher than the national average electric bill of $2,440. Families spend annually $2,472 on their electricity bills. If you have an 85m2 apartment, for water, heating, and cooling your bill will be $158.76. Internet providers will charge you around $74.45 a month. For cable, Fairfax County residents pay around $85 monthly.
Getting around the county
As of March 2022, gas prices in the county reached $3.07 a gallon. If you compare it to the national average of $2.58 per gallon, you will need to pay a bit more. While almost 80% of Fairfax County residents commute by car, there is a plethora of public transportation options. A one-way Ticket costs $3,03, while the Monthly Pass is $69,90. You can also connect to the D.C. Metro using the Metrobus. A 7-day bus pass will cost you $17.50. When moving companies Falls Chruch help you with relocation, you will find one of the most reliable cab services in the country. Fairfax County has a famous Fairfax Yellow Cab. This cab has got a city golden star and you will have to pay for this service $14.3 for a 5-mile drive.
The State Income Tax is lower
One of the greatest advantages of living in Fairfax county is the fact that you will pay the lower State Income tax. The income tax rate in Virginia is lower in general than in the rest of the countries. The national average tax rate is $7,3, while in Virginia you will have to pay 5.6% for the Sales Tax rate. Property taxes also fall below the national average. The U.S. average is 1.07%, while in Virginia it is 0.80%. However, the amount you will pay for the taxes depends on ion which Virginia county you live in. Since the home value is greater in Fairfax County, the tax rate is higher accordingly. In addition, depending on the annual income, the lowest income tax that you will pay is around 2%. However, if your income is more than $18,000, your income tax would be around 5,85%.
Cost of living in Fairfax County in terms of healthcare
In Fairfax Country, costs of living are below the national average. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis from 2022, the average Fairfax County resident pays about $6,361 per year for healthcare services. However, when booking moving companies Alexandria VA, you need to know that the price you pay for healthcare depends on various factors. The exact amount you will pay depends on your insurance coverage, and the treatment that you need. For instance, in 2022 a 40-year-old will pay $446 a month for health insurance. Comparatively, the national average cost for this service is $495. Also, since 2020, healthcare prices in Fairfax County dropped around $25 a month.
How much will you pay for child care?
If you have children, then you know that one of the greatest budget concerns is paying for childcare. The expenses for this service will not only depend on how many children you have but also on the type of service you need. When it comes to childcare in Fairfax county, the cheapest option is to have home childcare. For this service, you will need to pay monthly around $950. If you take your toddler into a toddler classroom, the monthly cost for this service would be $1,066. The infant classroom option is among the most expensive ones and for that you should plan a budget of $1,581 a month.
Is food expensive in Fairfax County?
The average food cost in Fairfax County is approximately $280 per month or $3,360 per year. The county offers some of the best barbeque or crab dishes. In addition, food costs in the county are less expensive than the national average. Food costs will depend on the neighborhood you live in. Cooking food at home is cheaper than eating out. Therefore, take a look at the following list to see how much you will pay for the most common groceries:
- Milk, 1 L or 1 qt $1.2
- Bread, 0.5 kg or 1.1 lb $3.75
- Rice, 1 kg or 2.2 lb $4.29
- Eggs, x12$3.07
- Cheese, 1 kg or 2.2 lb $12.5
- Chicken Breast, 1 kg or 2.2 lb $9.83
- Apples, 1 kg or 2.2 lb $5.1
- Banana, 1 kg or 2.2 lb $1.46
- Tomato, 1 kg or 2.2 lb $4.78
- Potato, 1 kg or 2.2 lb $3.15
- Onion, 1 kg or 2.2 lb $2.5
- Water, 1 L or 1 qt $1,51
Dining out
If you happen to move to Fairfax County, you will have the option to experience a great number of international cuisines as well as domestic food. If you compare the average salary residents of the county earn and the restaurant prices, eating out is considered affordable. An average meal in an inexpensive restaurant would cost $15.82. If you relocate with the help of moving companies Reston VA, prepare your budget of $69.45 for a 2-person meal. Fast food lovers will spend around $7.89 for a single meal. The prices of drinks vary from place to place. Domestic Beer (0.5-liter draught) will cost $6.00 while imported beer is %7,50. Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle) usually costs $2.45. Coffee lovers will spend around $5,00 for a regular-size cappuccino.
Miscellaneous cost of living in Fairfax County
Apart from necessities, the residents of Fairfax County also like to spend on entertainment. In general, the entire population of the county spends annually more than $24,000 on fun and entertainment activities. For those more into the arts, the Fairfax Art League Gallery admission is around $21,00. Book your moving companies Lorton VA, and come to listen to Fairfax Symphony Orchestra for $35,00 per visit. Tickets prices for the Holiday Craft Show, Fall Festival, and Spotlight on the Arts Festival range from $36,00 to $56,00.
Sports and leisure
Sports lovers and those who like to exercise in a gym will need to spend around $46.21 monthly for a gym membership. Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on the Weekend) will cost around $16.17 per person. A single visit to the cinema goes from $14,00 for an international release. Getting your haircut also depends on various factors such as the length, shape, and location of a haircut studio. On average, a simple haircut in Fairfax County costs $16.6.
Cost of living in Fairfax County for shopping
Shopping in Fairfax County is very popular. Here you can find some of the best retail complexes in the country. For example, shopping in Mosaic, which is a unique district with retailers & restaurants, for brand-new jeans you will need to spend $45.9. A pair of brand sneakers will cost $89.2. Hire moving services Northern VA, and visit the heart of historic Fairfax, Old Town Plaza. In this vibrant center of the city, you will find plenty of boutiques and restaurants for dining. The average meal cost for two people here is $70,00. Fair Oaks Mall has more than 170 retail stores and the prices depend on the brand you choose.
How much do you need to live comfortably in Fairfax county?
In general, the cost of living in Fairfax County is higher than the national average. However, how much do you need to cover all the basic expenses and add on some entertainment costs? If you happen to apply the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, which means 50% for housing and food, 30% for travel and entertainment, and 20% for saving, to live comfortably in Fairfax County you will need around $64,947 annually. Virginia’s median household income is $74,222, and the one in Fairfax County is $124,831. Therefore, according to the statistics you will have enough money to comfortably live in this county and the rest of Virginia.
Some of the most affordable cities in the county
In certain cases, you may wish to find a place that has exceptionally affordable living conditions. Although Faifax county is generally expensive there are still places with lower living costs. If you happen to look for some of the most affordable cities in Fairfax County, VA, here you can find them:
- Navy
- Crosspointe
- Lake Ridge
- Lincolnia
- Mantua
- Sudley
- Great Falls Crossing
Fairfax County is an amazing place in Virginia for living. However, before choosing a perfect neighborhood for your needs it is necessary to take a look at the statistics in terms of costs. Although the cost of living in Fairfax County is above the national average, living in this county will give the option for great salaries and job opportunities. Take your time to carefully do your research and soon you will be living in this amazing county.
