Chantilly, VA vs McLean, VA

The cost of living difference between Chantilly, VA and McLean, VA is dramatic. Chantilly is 35.9% cheaper than McLean, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chantilly has a cost index of 159 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 Chantilly is $2,260/month compared to $3,376/month in McLean — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chantilly is more affordable at $633,900 median vs $1,304,900.

Median household income in Chantilly is $143,786 compared to $250,001 in McLean (-42.5%). 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 Chantilly spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, more than the 16.2% in McLean.