2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Princeton, NJ vs Reston, VA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Reston or is it cheaper to live in Princeton?
- Reston is 43.1% more expensive than Princeton.

Which city has more affordable housing, Reston or Princeton?
- Reston housing costs are 21.5% less expensive than Princeton housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Princeton or is Health Care more affordable in Reston.
- Health related expenses are 4.8% more in Reston.
 Princeton, NJReston, VAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock149.7100
 Food & Groceries115.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.1100
 Housing241.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$570,700$338,100
 Utilities114  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock123.4100
 Miscellaneous125.6  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Princeton    5 Reviews

Many cities have colleges in them, but Princeton's character and quality of life are very deeply influenced by having such an outstanding school contributing to all  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

police are very quick to respond and resolve crime problems. very safe place to live. when you feel safe, all other issues are  More

   |    Reply

You'll never lose on a real estate investment in Princeton. It has that cache that people always desire. McCarter Theatre, University concerts, fine dining, great  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Princeton

Reviews for Reston    21 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

I have lived in Reston for three years and it is absolute paradise. The fact that it was a planned city from decades ago is still apparent to this day. With plenty of  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

Summers are hot and  More

   |    Reply

There is a vast network of bike and walking trails thoughout the city and neighborhoods. 40% of the city is slated to remain green so there are many trees, parks and  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Reston


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.