Laurel, VA vs McLean, VA

The cost of living difference between Laurel, VA and McLean, VA is dramatic. Laurel is 58.8% cheaper than McLean, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Laurel has a cost index of 102 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 Laurel is $1,497/month compared to $3,376/month in McLean — a 56% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Laurel is more affordable at $272,300 median vs $1,304,900.

Median household income in Laurel is $69,932 compared to $250,001 in McLean (-72%). 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 Laurel spend roughly 25.7% of their income on rent, more than the 16.2% in McLean.