Great Falls, VA Utility & Living Guide

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Great Falls, VA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Great Falls, VA offers a unique blend of natural beauty and suburban convenience just outside of Washington D.C.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$350/mo
1BR Rent$1800/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index146 (+46% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$640,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Great Falls
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Dominion Energy
🔥 Gas

$60/mo

Washington Gas
💧 Water

$50/mo

Fairfax Water
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

American Disposal Services
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $350/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1800/mo
2 Bedrooms$2200/mo
3 Bedrooms$2800/mo
Median Home Price$640,000
Property Tax Rate1.16%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Great Falls is highly competitive, with a mix of older and newer homes, and a strong demand for properties. The area is known for its excellent schools and natural beauty, making it a desirable place to live. However, this desirability comes at a cost, with high home prices and property taxes.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

146

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+46% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

102

Healthcare

94

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.16%
<p>State 4.3% + County 1% + No City tax</p>

Virginia has a progressive state income tax with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%, and residents of Great Falls are also subject to federal income tax

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

40

Higher = safer
School Rating

8/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+10% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in technology, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, schools, property taxes
🚌 Transit for Families

The public transit system in Great Falls is limited, but the area is relatively stroller-friendly, with wide sidewalks and accessible parks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Great Falls Park
  • 🎯
    Clemyjontri Park
  • 🎯
    Reston Zoo

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Great Falls include the areas around Forestville Elementary School and the Village Centre, which offer a mix of older and newer homes, and are close to parks and community amenities. These neighborhoods are highly sought after, and homes tend to sell quickly.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Great Falls based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Great Falls has regulations regarding zoning, noise ordinances, and environmental protection, which are enforced by Fairfax County

The current financial trends in Great Falls indicate a strong and growing economy, with a high demand for housing and a thriving job market. However, this growth also brings challenges, such as increased traffic and strain on local resources.

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📊 Great Falls — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Great Falls tend to be higher in the summer due to air conditioning usage, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% during the summer months. In the winter, heating costs are relatively low due to the area's mild climate, but can still increase by 10-20% during the coldest months.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 22066 has a property tax millage rate of 1.16%, with no local surtaxes specific to Great Falls county

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 7/10: Great Falls has wide sidewalks and accessible parks, but the area is not particularly dense, and public transit options are limited, making it less stroller-friendly than more urban areas.

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