Market Overview
McLean's median sold price is $1.4M with homes averaging 41 days on market; Stafford is at $545K and 37 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $545K), a difference of about $805K. Stafford moves faster, with homes averaging 37 days on market compared to 41 in McLean. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
McLean
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$1.4M
$545K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
41 days
37 days
Price Range
$700K–$5M+
$108K–$1.3M
Notable Neighborhoods
Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Property Tax
On a $1.4M home in McLean, you would pay ~$14,985/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $545K home costs ~$5,717/yr. Stafford has the lower rate at $1.049 per $100 of assessed value.
McLean
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$14,985/yr
$5,717/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
None
Walkability
McLean is more walkable with a Walk Score of 28 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: McLean (22) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Langley Farms and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
McLean
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
8
Bike Score
32
18
Safety
McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Stafford is rated "Safe" (31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.3/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
6.5/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
60% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is McLean or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median sold price of $545K, 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+. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
What are property taxes in McLean vs Stafford?
McLean has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$14,985/yr on a $1.4M home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,717/yr on a $545K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do McLean and Stafford compare?
McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.