salaryRent here is among the highest 10% in the country. Household incomes are higher than in 99% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 5.7 years of household income. Most homes (86.1%) are owned, so rentals can be hard to find. It is a highly educated city: 84.3% of adults have a college degree.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $124,320 a year. That is $60 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Virginia cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Virginia. It is number 174 of 199 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in McLean?
Share of households by yearly income. 77.7% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in McLean
| Size | McLean | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,394 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $3,116 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,590 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,500+ | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is McLean overall?
Everyday prices in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area are 9% above the U.S. average (index 108.9, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in McLean
Life in McLean
What jobs pay in McLean
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $195,190 | 19.1% |
| Operations Manager | $156,460 | 23.8% |
| Software Developer | $154,930 | 24.1% |
| Pharmacist | $150,540 | 24.8% |
| Physician Assistant | $148,200 | 25.2% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $134,840 | 27.7% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $127,040 | 29.4% |
| Dental Hygienist | $119,170 | 31.3% |
| Registered Nurse | $102,710 | 36.3% |
| Accountant | $102,140 | 36.5% |
| Civil Engineer | $101,780 | 36.6% |
| Market Research Analyst | $87,160 | 42.8% |
| Police Officer | $84,000 | 44.4% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $79,470 | 46.9% |
| Electrician | $75,930 | 49.1% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $75,860 | 49.2% |
| HVAC Technician | $71,920 | 51.9% |
| Plumber | $71,860 | 51.9% |
| Firefighter | $66,980 | 55.7% |
| Carpenter | $60,800 | 61.3% |
| Truck Driver | $59,820 | 62.3% |
| Medical Assistant | $46,640 | 80.0% |
| Customer Service Representative | $46,220 | 80.7% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $46,040 | 81.0% |
| Nursing Assistant | $45,730 | 81.6% |
| Restaurant Cook | $42,920 | 86.9% |
| Warehouse Worker | $42,590 | 87.6% |
| Retail Salesperson | $36,610 | 101.9% |
| Cashier | $35,470 | 105.1% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in McLean?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $6,694 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $1,412,700 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $141,270 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in McLean, VA?
Renting in McLean costs a median of about $3,108 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Virginia median is $2,049.
How much do I need to make to live in McLean?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $124,320 a year, or $60 an hour at a full-time job.
Is McLean cheap or expensive?
McLean is rated Cheap: rent takes 14.9% of the typical household income of $250,000+. It ranks 174th cheapest of 199 Virginia cities we track.
How much are property taxes in McLean?
The median homeowner in McLean pays $10,000+ a year in property taxes, about 0.71% of the median home value.
Is McLean more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 9% above the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in McLean?
The median home value in McLean is $1,412,700, about 5.7 times the typical yearly household income.
49,627 people live in McLean. Numbers are typical (middle) values.