Arlington, VA vs Reston, VA: Cost of Living Comparison
Reston has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Arlington | Reston | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 155 | Reston |
| Housing | 248 ($1,593) | 177 ($1,519) | Reston |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Arlington |
| Food & groceries | 188 ($771) | 187 ($767) | Reston |
| Utilities | 174 ($446) | 139 ($319) | Reston |
| Healthcare | 174 ($322) | 139 ($230) | Reston |
| Median annual wage | 115 ($55,690) | 115 ($55,690) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington, VA or Reston, VA cheaper to live in?
Reston, VA is cheaper overall by about 35 index points (Arlington, VA: 190, Reston, VA: 155; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Arlington, VA vs Reston, VA?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Arlington, VA and $54,250/year in Reston, VA to cover basic living costs.