Cost of Living in McLean, VA
Population 50,232 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
McLean's housing market is in a category of its own — median home values around $1.3 million sit roughly 4 times the US figure, reflecting a market driven as much by second-home and resort buyers as by year-round residents. An unemployment rate of 2.2% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 7 miles northwest of Arlington, McLean falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 51% higher than Arlington's $865,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in McLean
The median home value in McLean is $1,304,900 — 328% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,376/month, 157% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $250,001/year is 235% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. Overall, McLean has a cost of living index of 359 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 259% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in McLean, VA?
McLean has a cost index of 359 (100 = national average). It is 259% above the national average.
What is average rent in McLean, VA?
The median gross rent in McLean is $3,376 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in McLean?
The median home value in McLean is $1,304,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in McLean?
The median household income in McLean is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in McLean, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in McLean is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is McLean, VA affordable?
McLean is above average in cost of living, with an index of 359 — about 259% higher than the national average.
McLean at a Glance
- Population
- 50,232
- Median Income
- $250,001
- Home Value
- $1,304,900
- Median Rent
- $3,376/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Virginia Rankings
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