Cost Of Living In McLean, VA (Taxes, Housing & More)
McLean, Virginia is a city located just eight miles northwest of Washington, DC. It is situated on the banks of the Potomac River. McLean is considered a suburb of Washington, DC and because of its proximity, it’s well known as a place where members of Congress, military, and government officials live. The headquarters of the United States Central Intelligence Agency is located northern area of McLean in Langley.
McLean is very accessible to many areas of the metro Washington, DC area. The Capital Beltway, Georgetown Pike, and other main highways run through McLean and it is also accessible by metro. There’s a lot to see and do in McLean — from historical areas to outdoor activities – and also shopping, restaurants, and more.
The median home cost of living in McLean, Virginia is $926,900. However, this does not cover other living costs, such as child care, utilities, groceries, and taxes. With a cost of living index of 203.0, it is considerably more expensive than the US average of 100.0 and Virginia’s overall 103.7 cost of living index.
Virginia’s minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, while the livable wage is $19.92 an hour. Many people will have a range of pay bases to help them afford living in McLean. Living costs do add up. Here’s a breakdown of precisely what you might spend to live monthly in McLean, Virginia.
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Homeownership Costs in McLean, Virginia
Owning a home in McLean is comparatively slightly more expensive than in other areas of the country. Most homes in Virginia cost around $307,964, while living in McLean costs approximately $926,900. The average price of a home in the US is $284,600, so McLean is approximately 325% higher than the national average.
There are some expensive homes in McLean where the price goes up to $13 million. But this is for custom-built homes in gated golf communities. There are affordable homes in McLean and something to fit your budget. If you don’t think you can afford it, try renting!
Rental Costs in McLean, Virginia
When you move to McLean, you will notice there are a few homes to rent. In fact, 0.9% of houses and apartments in McLean are available to rent. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Style of Home | Price Per Month |
| Studio | $2120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2180 |
| 2 Bedroom | $2500 |
| 3 Bedroom | $3270 |
| 4 Bedroom | $4020 |
With these numbers in mind, the average monthly rent for an apartment in McLean, Virginia is $2,015. For renters and homeowners alike, McLean is considered a very expensive place. To put things in perspective, the following table outlines how the average monthly rent in McLean compares to other cities in the state of Virginia:
| City | Average Monthly Rent |
| McLean, VA | $2,015 |
| Richmond, VA | $1,318 |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $1,455 |
| Norfolk, VA | $1,216 |
| Alexandria, VA | $1,902 |
Taxes in McLean, Virginia
Taxpayers in McLean three main forms of state and local taxes: local property taxes, a state income tax, and state and local sales taxes. The state has a progressive income tax, with a top marginal rate that is slightly lower than the national average. Sales tax is among the lowest in the nation and property taxes are also below the national average.
Sales Tax in McLean, Virginia
The statewide base sales tax rate in Virginia is 4.3%. Though, combined with a statewide local rate of 1%, the effective floor for sales tax in the state is 5.3%. In addition to this rate, many localities impose their own sales tax. In Fairfax County, for instance, the extra city and county sales tax rates total 1.70%. This means that the total sales tax rate in McLean, Virginia is 6.0%.
Property Taxes in McLean, Virginia
The average effective property tax rate in the state of Virginia is 0.80%, meaning Virginians pay an average of 0.80% of their home value in annual property taxes. This rate is the 20th-lowest in the nation. The average effective property tax rate in Fairfax County (where McLean is located), however, is 1.03%.
This translates to an annual average property tax payment of $5,641 for homeowners in McLean. Although this rate is higher than the state average, it is lower than the national average of 1.07%.
Income Taxes in McLean, Virginia
Virginia has a progressive income tax system, with four income tax brackets in total that range from 2% to 5.75%. Low earners pay lower marginal rates, with the top bracket starting at $17,000 in taxable income. This means that most taxpayers in McLean, Virginia will have to pay the top rate of 5.75% of at least a portion of their income.
Utility Costs in McLean, Virginia
In every single state you move to, you will have to pay utilities. If you are renting a home or apartment, sometimes utility fees are rolled into monthly rental payments, but you will have to check your rental contract to be sure. For a small apartment of 915 sq ft, you can expect to pay $150 a month for the basic utilities. What do utilities include?
- Electricity
- Cooling
- Heating
- Water
- Garbage
There may be certain places that do not include garbage, and you will have to find your way to dispose of your trash. Some places will cover this cost, but you must provide your garbage cans that still need to meet community requirements.
Child Care Costs in McLean, Virginia
Caring for children can be expensive. For working parents, child care is a necessity. Child care is a part of daily life that many people don’t talk about or think about because it just has to be done. But it can be a considerable expense.
In McLean, the average cost of full-time daycare per week is $638. Prices will vary depending on the age of the child. You can expect to pay approximately $2,552 per month per child for care in McLean. If you are looking at a private daycare that may also teach your children or prep them for school, you will end up paying much more. It all depends on what you want and what you are looking for.
Food & Grocery Costs in McLean, Virginia
Something we sometimes overlook when moving to a new area is the cost of food. Grocery shopping is something most of us do weekly, and sometimes monthly. The bigger your family is, the most you will pay for food.
Here is a list of some grocery items and prices in McLean; this can be a good starting place to figure out what you eat and how much you’ll spend a week or a month.
| Food Item | Cost |
| 1 Gallon of Milk | $4.00 |
| 1 Loaf of White Bread | $4.00 |
| 1 Carton of Eggs | $4.00 |
| Local Cheese | $9.00 |
| 1 Pound of Chicken | $4.00 |
| 1 Pound of Onion | $2.00 |
| 1 Head of Lettuce | $1.00 |
| 1 Bottle of Mid-Range Wine | $20.00 |
Entertainment Costs in McLean, Virginia
Being so close to a city with so many restaurants, nightlife venues, cinemas, fitness clubs, and more, you will want to start going to do fun activities after moving to McLean, Virginia. Most of the things you do will cost money. What is there to do, and how much does it cost? The truth is there are many different things to do, a wide variety of things to do. You will need to set yourself a budget and stick with it. Here is a list of activities that can help you determine that budget.
| Activity | Price Range |
| Restaurants (2 people/mid-range) | $70.00 |
| Fitness Club (one adult, monthly fee) | $90.00 |
| Movies (1 adult ticket) | $13.00 |
Depending on where and when you go, activities fees will vary. There can always be extra expenses with activities, depending on the time of day, day of the week, number of people attending, etc.
Education Costs in McLean, Virginia
Educating kids is expensive, even more so if you’re interested in sending them to private school. There are so many costs that add up every year we want to make sure you are as prepared as possible.
On average many of the teachers have 16 kids per class and spend about $8,371 per student. However, that does not mean you have to pay that amount; it means that’s what it costs the school. Here are some other things to keep in mind when looking at education costs in McLean.
Private School
There are nine top private schools in McLean, Virginia. The average private school tuition in McLean is $10,747 for elementary school and $17,508 per high school per year. Prices of private schools in McLean may be slightly higher or lower.
Universities, Colleges and Technical Schools
McLean is near many universities, colleges, and technical schools; there are actually 60 colleges within a 50-mile radius of McLean. There are technical schools for healthcare, technology, and education near McLean. Stratford University is a private technical college three miles from McLean’s city center. Northern Virginia Community College is also an excellent option for many locals. If you are thinking of attending a University or a technical college, this may be a budget-friendly option compared to other states.
If you become a Virginia resident who attends Northern Virginia Community College annually, you will spend around $5,610 for tuition alone. However, this does not cover costs or room and board, or any textbook fees.
Related Questions
How much do you need to live comfortably in McLean?
McLean is a relatively expensive city to live in. To be comfortable, you will need to make at least $86,000 a year. This means you would need to make $7,166 a month to live on your own in McLean. The bigger your family is, the more you will need to make.
Is McLean a good place to live?
McLean has been consistently rated one of the best places to live in Virginia. McLean is a suburban-style city with lots of shops, restaurants, coffee houses, parks, and outdoor activities nearby. The public schools in McLean are very highly rated, making it an ideal city to raise children. Because McLean has access to beaches and bodies of water, it appeals to people who love the outdoors. And, with its proximity to Washington, DC’s culture, nightlife, and many attractions, it’s ideal for both young professionals and growing families.
What are the main industries in McLean?
Government, military, manufacturing, and telecommunications are major industries in McLean.
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Is McLean, Virginia Right for You?
McLean, VA has a lot to offer young professionals, families, and retirees and is a very desirable place to live. It may be more expensive than other areas of Virginia to live in, but it is providing excellent schools, good housing options, and proximity to the nation’s capital. Depending on the size of the house you choose and the size of your family, it may be expensive or cheaper than other areas of Virginia, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when choosing where to live.
If you’re looking to live in the metro Washington, DC/Northern Virginia area, McLean is hard to beat. It’s a thriving area with lots to see and do. McLean is an enjoyable area to visit with nightlife and activities if you are a single person. It’s also a great place to raise a family.
If you’re not completely sold on McLean but are still considering relocating to the Virginia, check out: 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Virginia.
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