McLean, VA vs Roanoke, VA

The cost of living difference between McLean, VA and Roanoke, VA is dramatic. Roanoke is 226.1% cheaper than McLean, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. McLean has a cost index of 248 while Roanoke sits at 76, 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 $964/month in Roanoke — a 250% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Roanoke is more affordable at $180,500 median vs $1,304,900.

Median household income in McLean is $250,001 compared to $52,671 in Roanoke (+374.6%). 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 22% in Roanoke.