Where you choose to live will ultimately be based on where you are working. Nowhere in NOVA is it really affordable to live. If you move way out to Stafford/Aquia area, you are still looking at rising prices and at least an hour commute into the city. Not too sure about Maryland. The most expensive areas are definitely going to be Fairfax/Arlington/Alexandria. Fairfax being the furthest out will give you the biggest commuting headache, but might offer you more options than the other 2. Arlington/Alexandria is more like living in a city rather than a suburb in many areas. Are you actually working IN dc?