City Comparison

McLean vs Rockville: Which is right for your family?

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 is pricier ($1.4M median vs $560K), a difference of about $840K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 18 in McLean. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.

McLean

VA

Rockville

MD

Median Price

$1.4M

$560K

Avg Days on Market

18 days

17 days

Price Range

$700K–$5M+

$200K–$1.8M

Top 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 ~$15,540/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $560K home costs ~$5,533/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

$15,540/yr

$5,533/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 home price of $560K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. 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 (~$15,540/yr on a $1.4M home). Rockville's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$5,533/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is McLean or Rockville better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. 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 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.