How expensive is it to live in NoVa? (Fairfax: for sale, foreclosures)

[HokieFan]

Not knowing your other expenses, I would estimate that you need approximately $80k to comfortably support two people. You could possibly live on less if you're frugal.

When my husband and I moved to NoVA in 2009, we started out with a joint income of $80k. We had all the typical bills - utilities, two car payments, a student loan, insurance, etc. Our rent was $1400. After all our bills were paid, we still had some discretionary funds leftover for the occasional dinners out, baseball games, out the movies, etc.

The biggest increase you will encounter is housing costs. Look at your expenses now, and ask yourself if you're comfortable with increasing your rent by $400-$500 a month (for an apartment) on a $15k raise (worst case scenario, it takes your fiance a while to find a job). I found that all the other expenses didn't change all that much.


Luckily for you, PWC is one of the less expensive areas in NoVA. Would you be in eastern or western PWC? What type of work does your fiancé do?

[doubled8206]

Comfortably as in not taking vacations bc of the job and not owning nice expensive cars. We live a pretty typical life and not of luxury. My fiancé works in the medical field so it won't be hard to find a job it's just a matter of where. Like I said my salary is just starting with a significant increase. I was just trying to get a base of the area and such since I've never been to the area.

[dmv101010]

Depends on how much the car note is? Credit card debt? Student Loan Debt? if you debt free this would be do-able. I would sell the car and buy a beater (that will get rid of the car note and dramatically lower your insurance)

[MrsEvie64]

Depending on where exactly in PW, if you're in the western part, living in Warrenton might be a cheaper alternative. I think you could probably find a studio or 1 bdrm for around $1k/mo in Manassas. Again, it really depends on where your job is and what kind of commute you would be willing to tolerate. I think 51k with no kids and your only "debt" is a car payment, you'll be fine until your fiance finds a job.

[shamrock847]

You should be fine on that income, especially if you live in PWC or parts further south or west. It would be tough to get a nice place without roommates or extra income in some of the trendier areas of Arlington on $51k, but you should be able to rent an apt or condo for $1200 or less in PWC.

I wouldn't want to try to support a family of five on that in this area, but for one or two adults you'll have to be careful with your spending but it is totally doable, especially for a relatively short time.

Housing in the main expense that will increase, so make sure your increase in take-home pay is bigger than your increase in rent.

Welcome to the area.

[RecessionCasualty]

I remember when our income was 55k and we had no huge expenses- 1 car, minimal student loans, no eating out... And we were just barely getting by every month. We didn't start getting breathing room until the income was 90k. Looking back at it we have no idea how we made it. Word from the wise- this may be a hot spot for jobs but you'll need a MBA, clearance, or be IT etc. I know quite a few med students who are having no luck right now in the job department so plan as though it's just your income for a year. Good luck!

[doubled8206]

Thanks for the replies. We have no debt except a car payment and no kids. I would be willing to live wherever until we were well established.

[austindoxie1972]

I say go for it! Once you get here, it might be a bit of a stretch financially. However, I also think that if you are a solid worker, have some ambition/or strong interest in your career, you will find opportunities that might not be available in Ohio. Sound like there is room to run in your job.

[spleuchan]

I agree with what others have said. $50K is considered poor in NOVA, but most people don't start off with a 6 figure salary. Without needing to be in an area zoned to a top school, you can definitely manage. Working in PWC will definitely make it easier than if you were working in Alexandria, Arlington, or DC. If you thought you would max out at $50k then it would be one thing, but expecting a higher household income eventually works in your favor.

[FindingZen]

If you live in Prince William County too - which is relatively inexpensive by NOVA standards - your dollar will generally go farther than it would further north. Based on your only debt consisting of a car note, odds are you could afford to rent a 1BR or even 2BR apartment on that $51K salary. Unless you're bringing significant equity from from OH, a 1BR condo (which might go for $200-250K in PWC) might be a stretch.

Again, the good news is that your job will be in PWC which will by design save you a few thousand dollars a year on housing and transportation compared to your neighbors, many of whom will be commuting as far north as DC.