What’s Considered a Good Salary in Ashburn, VA?

Michael Delano | March 20, 2025

What constitutes a “good” salary in Ashburn, Virginia, hinges on your lifestyle, family size, and financial aspirations, but let’s break it down with some concrete figures. Ashburn sits in Loudoun County, one of the richest and most dynamic regions in the U.S., where a high cost of living stems from steep housing prices, its close proximity to Washington, D.C., and a thriving tech-driven economy.

As of 2025, ZipRecruiter pegs the average annual salary in Ashburn at $87,589, though other estimates span $75,000 to $98,000. For perspective, the median household income here is roughly $139,000, signaling a community with strong earning potential. ZipRecruiter notes salaries ranging from a low of $38,859 to a high of $155,948, with most top earners falling between $61,400 (25th percentile) and $107,900 (75th percentile), and the top 10% pulling in $135,495 annually. So, a “good” salary is one that covers necessities, allows for savings, and leaves room for some extras. For a single person, $85,000-$100,000 works well—enough to rent a solid apartment ($1,800-$2,000/month), pay bills, and stash some cash. For a family, $150,000-$175,000 provides wiggle room, especially if homeownership is on the table.

Ashburn’s High Cost of Living

Ashburn’s cost of living runs about 50% above the national average, primarily due to housing and taxes. Earn less than $75,000 as an individual or $120,000 with a family, and you might struggle unless you’re thrifty or splitting costs with roommates. Hit $200,000, though, and you’re sitting pretty, even by Ashburn’s lofty standards.

• Median Home Price: $540,000-$567,000.
• Monthly Mortgage: On a $540,000 home with 20% down and a 6.5% 30-year fixed loan (a fair 2025 estimate), expect ~$2,730/month, not counting taxes or insurance.
• Rent: A 2-bedroom apartment averages $2,108-$2,389/month; 1-bedrooms go for $1,800-$2,000.
• Housing Cost Index: 154.6%-166.3% of the national average, the biggest chunk of your budget.
• Single Person: $2,550-$3,000/month for a decent life (renting, no kids, moderate spending).
• Family of Four: $5,500-$6,500/month (renting, one kid in daycare; owning a home bumps it up). That’s $66,000-$78,000 annually, though mortgage and taxes could push it past $100,000.

Ashburn’s tech boom and D.C. commute fuel high salaries, but the cost of living, especially housing, eats a big chunk.