Market Overview
Columbia's median sold price is $485K with homes averaging 24 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 $485K), a difference of about $865K. Columbia moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 41 in McLean. Columbia offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.2M.
Columbia
MD
McLean
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$485K
$1.4M
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
24 days
41 days
Price Range
$200K–$1.2M
$700K–$5M+
Notable Neighborhoods
Wilde Lake, Kings Contrivance, River Hill, Long Reach
Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet
Property Tax
On a $485K home in Columbia, you would pay ~$4,918/yr in property tax. In McLean, a $1.4M home costs ~$14,985/yr. Columbia has the lower rate at $1.014 per $100 of assessed value.
Columbia
MD
McLean
VA
Rate per $100
$1.014
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,918/yr
$14,985/yr
Notes
Howard County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Columbia is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in McLean. Transit scores: Columbia (18) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Wilde Lake and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.
Columbia
MD
McLean
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
22
Bike Score
42
32
Safety
McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Columbia is rated "Safe" (18% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Columbia
MD
McLean
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1/1K
0.3/1K
Property Crime
12.8/1K
6.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
18% below Virginia average
60% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or McLean more affordable?
Columbia is more affordable with a median sold price of $485K, 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. Columbia prices range from $200K–$1.2M. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.
What are property taxes in Columbia vs McLean?
Columbia has a property tax rate of $1.014 per $100 (~$4,918/yr on a $485K 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 Columbia and McLean compare?
Columbia is a master-planned community in Howard County, known for its village system, lakefront living, and area schools. 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 can connect you with a verified agent 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 August 2026.