McLean, VA vs Oakton, VA

The cost of living difference between McLean, VA and Oakton, VA is dramatic. Oakton is 43.4% cheaper than McLean, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. McLean has a cost index of 248 while Oakton sits at 173, 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 McLean is $3,376/month compared to $2,333/month in Oakton — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Oakton is more affordable at $776,700 median vs $1,304,900.

Median household income in McLean is $250,001 compared to $163,662 in Oakton (+52.8%). 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 McLean spend roughly 16.2% of their income on rent, less than the 17.1% in Oakton.