McLean, VA vs Waynesboro, VA

The cost of living difference between McLean, VA and Waynesboro, VA is dramatic. Waynesboro is 204.4% cheaper than McLean, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. McLean has a cost index of 248 while Waynesboro sits at 81, 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 $972/month in Waynesboro — a 247% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waynesboro is more affordable at $236,600 median vs $1,304,900.

Median household income in McLean is $250,001 compared to $56,364 in Waynesboro (+343.5%). 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 20.7% in Waynesboro.