The short answer
On the median Northern Virginia house, $950,000 with 20% down, 1 point on a 30-year fixed rate is about $500 a month: $4,557 at 6% and $5,056 at 7%. Over 30 years, that is about $180,000 more in interest.
Ask Ahmed · Mortgage math
How much does a 1% mortgage rate change cost per month?
The answer in Northern Virginia dollars, from 2026 median prices, with a calculator you can move. Last updated October 19, 2026.
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One point lower saves {lo} a month. One point higher costs {hi} a month. At {r} Over 30 years, one point higher adds about {t} in interest. Turned around: at {r}, the same monthly payment borrows about {b} less. Principal and interest only, on a 30-year fixed loan of {l}. Property tax, insurance, HOA dues and mortgage insurance are not included.
The buying power calculator adds tax, insurance and HOA dues.
County by county, 2026
What 1 point costs on the median home in each county.
The same point, from 6% to 7%, on each area’s median 2026 price, with 20% down. The rates are examples, not a forecast.
| Area and home type | Median price, 2026 | At 6% | At 7% | 1 point costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern VirginiaDetached house | $950,000 | $4,557 | $5,056 | +$499 |
| Northern VirginiaTownhouse | $650,000 | $3,118 | $3,460 | +$342 |
| Fairfax CountyDetached house | $991,269 | $4,755 | $5,276 | +$521 |
| Fairfax CountyTownhouse | $655,000 | $3,142 | $3,486 | +$344 |
| Loudoun CountyDetached house | $1,080,000 | $5,180 | $5,748 | +$568 |
| Loudoun CountyTownhouse | $700,000 | $3,357 | $3,726 | +$369 |
| Prince William CountyDetached house | $716,000 | $3,434 | $3,811 | +$377 |
| Prince William CountyTownhouse | $520,000 | $2,494 | $2,768 | +$274 |
| Arlington CountyDetached house | $1,350,000 | $6,475 | $7,185 | +$710 |
| Arlington CountyTownhouse | $1,050,000 | $5,036 | $5,589 | +$553 |
| City of AlexandriaDetached house | $1,286,000 | $6,168 | $6,845 | +$677 |
| City of AlexandriaTownhouse | $915,000 | $4,389 | $4,870 | +$481 |
Fairfax County includes the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church; Prince William County includes Manassas and Manassas Park. Townhouses are fee-simple townhouses; condos are left out. Sales counts are in the sources at the bottom of the page.1
Rule of thumb
About $65 a month for every $100,000 you borrow.
$63 to $68
What 1 point adds each month per $100,000 borrowed on a 30-year fixed loan, for rates between 5% and 8%.2
11%
How much 1 point raises the monthly payment on the median house (6% to 7%). A point on the rate is far more than 1% of the payment.
10% less
How much less the same monthly payment borrows when the rate is 1 point higher. On a $760,000 loan, that is about $75,000.
Questions
What buyers ask about a 1% rate change.
How much does a 1% mortgage rate change cost per month?
On the median Northern Virginia detached house, $950,000 in 2026, with 20% down, 1 point on a 30-year fixed rate is about $500 a month: $4,557 at 6% and $5,056 at 7%, principal and interest. That is about $180,000 over 30 years. As a rule, each point costs about $65 a month for every $100,000 borrowed.
How much does a 0.5% lower mortgage rate save?
About half of a full point. On a $760,000 loan, the median Northern Virginia house with 20% down, going from 6.5% to 6% saves about $247 a month in principal and interest.
How much less house can I afford if rates go up 1%?
About 10% less loan for the same monthly payment. The payment that carries a $760,000 loan at 6% carries about $685,000 at 7%, roughly $75,000 less.
Is it worth refinancing for a 1% lower rate?
It depends on the closing costs and how long you keep the loan. Divide the refinance costs by the monthly savings to see how many months it takes to break even. If you will sell or refinance again before then, it does not pay. Ask your lender for the exact costs.
Do these payments include taxes and insurance?
No. They are principal and interest only. Property tax, homeowners insurance, HOA dues and mortgage insurance come on top. The buying power calculator on this site adds them.
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