Lorton, VA vs McLean, VA

The cost of living difference between Lorton, VA and McLean, VA is dramatic. Lorton is 34.1% cheaper than McLean, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Lorton has a cost index of 163 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 Lorton is $2,537/month compared to $3,376/month in McLean — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lorton is more affordable at $583,900 median vs $1,304,900.

Median household income in Lorton is $136,719 compared to $250,001 in McLean (-45.3%). 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 Lorton spend roughly 22.3% of their income on rent, more than the 16.2% in McLean.