McLean, VA vs Springfield, VA

The cost of living difference between McLean, VA and Springfield, VA is dramatic. Springfield is 46.1% cheaper than McLean, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. McLean has a cost index of 248 while Springfield sits at 170, 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 $2,643/month in Springfield — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Springfield is more affordable at $622,200 median vs $1,304,900.

Median household income in McLean is $250,001 compared to $123,691 in Springfield (+102.1%). 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 25.6% in Springfield.