If you are interested in moving to the Reston, Virginia area, you have come to the right place. Determining the cost of living is one of the first steps before moving to any new city. In this article, I will give a detailed break-down of the cost of living in Reston, Virginia to help you decide if this move will work for you. My calculations are based on a family of four. If your family is bigger or smaller than that number, you can use the calculator to help you determine your family’s budget.
Housing
The median home price in Reston, Virginia is currently $482,000. However, we offer several different types of homes that can be lower or higher than this price point. We have million-dollar lake homes, large luxury homes, studio apartments, small and average size houses, and high-rise condos for sale in Reston. With our city’s variety of home offerings, it aims to meet everyone’s budget, tastes, and goals.
If you are not ready to buy and want to rent instead, we have several houses, apartments, and condos on the market for rent. The average cost of rent in Reston, Virginia is currently $1,800 per month, but this can vary by the type of home that you choose.
Food
There are a variety of grocery stores in the area, which include Lidl, Aldi, Giant, Safeway, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and more. The cost of food is determined by multiple factors, such as if you enjoy eating out at restaurants often, cook your food most of the time, and if you like organic produce or “junk food.” My estimate for the monthly food budget is $898, but I would keep in mind that this number can range from month to month depending on your eating habits.
Child Care
Child care can be costly anywhere. In Reston, it is around $1,752 monthly. There is not much you can do to lower the cost of child care, as your child/children will need supervision while you are working. Some of the options that you can look into is a nanny, preschool, and daycare.
Transportation
It is quite expensive to get around in our area. It is estimated to cost you about $1,135 per month for transportation. Most residents in this city choose to own a car and drive it to and from wherever they need to go. However, it is worth noting that Reston’s mass transit options are expanding if you are not interested in driving or owning a vehicle.
If you are working or commuting outside of Reston, you will be required to pay a toll. Unfortunately, there is no way around the toll, so I would suggest a $30-$50 monthly budget for tolls. If you take the Metro transit outside of Reston, I would keep in mind that it costs around $7 one way during rush hour.
Health Care
I recommend setting aside around $949 per month for health care. Having appropriate and accessible health care is an important part of a person’s life. Therefore, you will be glad to know that Reston and other areas of Northern Virginia are known to have some of the best doctors in the country. If you move here, you will have quick access to many different medical facilities and the Reston Hospital.
Other Necessities
It is important to include this category in your budget because everyone has necessities and expenses that they need to buy. A few of the most common necessities that are frequently bought are clothing, household supplies, maintenance, and more. My suggested monthly budget for necessities is $1,149.
Taxes
Taxes are always dreadful, but I do have some good news! Reston is typically low when it comes to taxes, as other cities on the east coast charge more for taxes. The sales tax in Fairfax County is currently 6 percent, and the property taxis 1.15 percent. These are both relatively low percentages, which estimates the monthly tax budget to be $1,149.
Bottom Line
The cost of living in Reston may seem a little high, but you must remember that the average income per household in this city is $115,000. This income amount is much higher than the average national income. You will also be introduced to a great quality of life, large cities nearby, countless job opportunities, and plenty of activities to take part in. With smart budgeting, you can make our city your home. Take a day to explore and tour our various apartments, houses, and condos for sale in Reston today!
