Merrifield, VA Utility & Living Guide

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Merrifield, VA Utility & Living Guide

Merrifield is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. The population was 20,488 at the 2020 census.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$350/mo
1BR Rent$1500/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index146 (+20% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$420,000
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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 County Water Authority
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Fairfax County Solid Waste Management
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$350/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1500/mo
2 Bedrooms$1900/mo
3 Bedrooms$2500/mo
Median Home Price$420,000
Property Tax Rate1.14%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Merrifield is highly competitive, with a mix of new developments and older homes. The area is popular with young professionals and families due to its proximity to D.C. and good schools. However, affordability can be a challenge, with prices rising steadily in recent years.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

146

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+20% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

102

Healthcare

98

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.14%
<p>State 4.3% + Local 1.7%</p>

Virginia has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

8/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+10% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in tech, healthcare, and government contracting
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordability, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

Merrifield has a relatively stroller-friendly public transit system, with accessible buses and trains, but sidewalks and bike lanes can be limited in some areas

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
  • 🎯
    Reston Zoo
  • 🎯
    Fairfax County Park Authority trails

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Mosaic District and Downtown Merrifield are popular areas for families, with a mix of housing types, parks, and community amenities. Other neighborhoods, such as Oakton and Vienna, offer more suburban living with good schools and access to parks and trails.

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📊 Merrifield — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Merrifield tend to be higher in the summer due to air conditioning usage, with average electricity bills increasing by 20-30% from June to August. In the winter, heating costs can also be significant, with natural gas bills rising by 10-20% from December to February.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 22031 has a property tax millage rate of 1.14%, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7, with wide sidewalks, accessible parks, and relatively flat terrain, but some areas lack bike lanes and crosswalks

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