Market Overview
McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $1.1M), a difference of about $350K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 18 in McLean. Bethesda offers a lower entry point at $400K–$5M+.
Bethesda
MD
McLean
VA
Median Price
$1.1M
$1.4M
Avg Days on Market
14 days
18 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$700K–$5M+
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet
Property Tax
On a $1.1M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$10,374/yr in property tax. In McLean, a $1.4M home costs ~$15,540/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
$10,374/yr
$15,540/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
Safety
McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Bethesda is rated "Safe" (36% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Bethesda
MD
McLean
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.3/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
6.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
60% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or McLean more affordable?
Bethesda is more affordable with a median home price of $1.1M, compared to $1.4M in McLean. 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 (~$10,374/yr on a $1.1M 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 Bethesda or McLean better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. 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.