City Comparison

McLean vs Rockville: How they compare

McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

McLean's median sold price is $1.4M with homes averaging 41 days on market; Rockville is at $647K and 32 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $647K), a difference of about $703K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 32 days on market compared to 41 in McLean. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.

McLean

VA

Rockville

MD

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$1.4M

$647K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

41 days

32 days

Price Range

$700K–$5M+

$200K–$1.8M

Notable Neighborhoods

Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet

Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove

Property Tax

On a $1.4M home in McLean, you would pay ~$14,985/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $647K home costs ~$6,393/yr. Rockville has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.

McLean

VA

Rockville

MD

Rate per $100

$1.110

$0.988

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$14,985/yr

$6,393/yr

Notes

Fairfax County rate

Montgomery County rate; City of Rockville adds $0.328

Walkability

Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 28 in McLean. Transit scores: McLean (22) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Langley Farms and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.

McLean

VA

Rockville

MD

Walk Score

28Car-Dependent
52Somewhat Walkable

Transit Score

22

42

Bike Score

32

55

Safety

McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Rockville is rated "Average" (9% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

McLean

VA

Rockville

MD

Safety Rating

Very Safe
Average

Violent Crime

0.3/1K

1.1/1K

Property Crime

6.5/1K

14.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

60% below Virginia average

9% below Virginia average

VA

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is McLean or Rockville more affordable?

Rockville is more affordable with a median sold price of $647K, 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. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.

What are property taxes in McLean vs Rockville?

McLean has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$14,985/yr on a $1.4M home). Rockville's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$6,393/yr on a $647K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

How do McLean and Rockville compare?

McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. 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.

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McLean vs Rockville: Median $1.4M vs $647K (2026) | smover