Bristol, VA vs McLean, VA

The cost of living difference between Bristol, VA and McLean, VA is dramatic. Bristol is 72.9% cheaper than McLean, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bristol has a cost index of 67 while McLean sits at 248, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Bristol is $775/month compared to $3,376/month in McLean — a 77% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bristol is more affordable at $168,700 median vs $1,304,900.

Median household income in Bristol is $44,706 compared to $250,001 in McLean (-82.1%). While McLean is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bristol spend roughly 20.8% of their income on rent, more than the 16.2% in McLean.