Market Overview
McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $750K), a difference of about $650K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 18 in McLean. Arlington offers a lower entry point at $350K–$2.5M.
Arlington
VA
McLean
VA
Median Price
$750K
$1.4M
Avg Days on Market
10 days
18 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$700K–$5M+
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet
Property Tax
On a $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In McLean, a $1.4M home costs ~$15,540/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
McLean
VA
Rate per $100
$1.013
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,597/yr
$15,540/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 28 in McLean. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
McLean
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
22
Bike Score
72
32
Safety
McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Arlington is rated "Average" (Near Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Arlington
VA
McLean
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
0.3/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
6.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
60% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or McLean more affordable?
Arlington is more affordable with a median home price of $750K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.
What are property taxes in Arlington vs McLean?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). McLean's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$15,540/yr on a $1.4M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Arlington or McLean better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated March 2026.