Fairfax, VA vs McLean, VA

The cost of living difference between Fairfax, VA and McLean, VA is dramatic. Fairfax is 36.1% cheaper than McLean, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairfax has a cost index of 158 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 Fairfax is $2,122/month compared to $3,376/month in McLean — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfax is more affordable at $677,400 median vs $1,304,900.

Median household income in Fairfax is $132,774 compared to $250,001 in McLean (-46.9%). 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 Fairfax spend roughly 19.2% of their income on rent, more than the 16.2% in McLean.