2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Reston, VA vs Potomac, MD

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Potomac or is it cheaper to live in Reston?
- Potomac is 7.5% less expensive than Reston.

Which city has more affordable housing, Potomac or Reston?
- Potomac housing costs are 96.0% more expensive than Reston housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Reston or is Health Care more affordable in Potomac.
- Health related expenses are 15.0% less in Potomac.
 Reston, VAPotomac, MDUnited States
 Overall  Unlock138.5100
 Food & Groceries111.8  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock86.8100
 Housing189.3  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,195,800$338,100
 Utilities96  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock135.8100
 Miscellaneous148.2  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 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

Reviews for Potomac    2 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

Spring and Fall can be quite glorious when the leaves turn or the tulips pop out and the humidity is lower. Winter, while it has some splendid "snow days," goes on much  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

The Potomac area in Montgomery County, Maryland, has the best of everything. High schools rated in the top 5 in the State, easy access to the Nation's Capitol,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Potomac


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.