Pricing your rental correctly is the single biggest factor in how fast it rents. Here is what the latest data shows about rents in Northern Virginia, and what it means for owners.
The latest numbers (August 2026)
Apartment List data reported by FFXnow shows these median apartment rents for August 2026:
| Area | 1-bedroom | 2-bedroom | Change from a year earlier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County | $2,073 | $2,401 | Down 1% |
| Arlington | $2,460 | $2,973 | Down 0.8% |
| Alexandria | $2,019 | $2,481 | Down 2.8% |
| Tysons | $2,415 | $2,895 | Down 0.3% |
| Reston | $2,253 | $2,385 | Up 0.2% |
| Centreville | $2,068 | $2,403 | Down 1.9% |
| Fairfax City | $1,918 | $2,195 | Down 2.4% |
For comparison, the D.C. metro median was $2,174, and the national median was $1,390.
What the numbers mean
- Rents are high but leveling off. Fairfax County’s overall median of $2,419 is just below its all-time peak of $2,471 in June 2025. It is still well above the pre-pandemic level of $1,971 in March 2020.
- Prices follow the seasons. Fairfax County’s median rose 4.4% between the start of 2026 and August. Rents tend to be highest in spring and summer and soften in fall and winter.
- Local differences matter. Some areas, like Reston and Herndon, were flat or slightly up, while Annandale and Fair Oaks fell more. A countywide average won’t tell you what your home should rent for.
- These are apartment figures. Single-family homes and townhouses often rent for more, depending on size, condition, schools and commute.
How to price your rental right now
- Compare similar homes nearby that rented recently, not just current asking prices.
- Adjust for features such as a garage, a fenced yard, updated kitchens, school district and distance to Metro.
- Plan for the season. In fall and winter, a slightly lower price that rents in two weeks usually beats a higher price that sits for two months.
- Time your leases. When you can, set lease end dates in spring or summer, when demand is strongest.
- Review renewal pricing early. Starting July 1, 2027, covered Virginia landlords must give 90 days’ written notice of rent increases, so plan renewals well ahead.
Sources
- FFXnow: Fairfax County apartment rents down slightly compared to summer 2025 (Sept. 1, 2026, Apartment List data)
- FFXnow: Year-over-year apartment rents down across most of Fairfax County in June (July 6, 2026)
- Williams Mullen: Virginia Enacts New Laws Impacting Residential Landlords (90-day rent increase notice)
Find out what your home will rent for
Market averages are a starting point. Stellar Gate Management prices each home using recent rentals on your street and in your neighborhood. Request a free rental price analysis and we’ll show you the numbers.
Call 202-710-3342 or email info@stellargatemanagement.com, or request your free rental analysis below.
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