Market Overview
Bethesda's median sold price is $1.2M with homes averaging 40 days on market; McLean is at $1.4M and 41 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $1.2M), a difference of about $120K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 40 days on market compared to 41 in McLean. Bethesda offers a lower entry point at $400K–$5M+.
Bethesda
MD
McLean
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$1.2M
$1.4M
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
40 days
41 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$700K–$5M+
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet
Property Tax
On a $1.2M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$12,154/yr in property tax. In McLean, a $1.4M home costs ~$14,985/yr. Bethesda has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Bethesda
MD
McLean
VA
Rate per $100
$0.988
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$12,154/yr
$14,985/yr
Notes
Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 28 in McLean. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.
Bethesda
MD
McLean
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
55
22
Bike Score
68
32
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Bethesda and McLean. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Bethesda
MD
McLean
VA
Reported Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.3/1K
Reported Property Crime
10.2/1K
6.5/1K
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or McLean more affordable?
Bethesda is more affordable with a median sold price of $1.2M, compared to $1.4M in McLean (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.
What are property taxes in Bethesda vs McLean?
Bethesda has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$12,154/yr on a $1.2M home). McLean's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$14,985/yr on a $1.4M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Bethesda and McLean compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 September 2026.