City Comparison

McLean vs Vienna: Which is right for your family?

McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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 $960K), a difference of about $440K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 18 in McLean. Vienna offers a lower entry point at $500K–$2.5M.

McLean

VA

Vienna

VA

Median Price

$1.4M

$960K

Avg Days on Market

18 days

12 days

Price Range

$700K–$5M+

$500K–$2.5M

Top Neighborhoods

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

Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights

Property Tax

On a $1.4M home in McLean, you would pay ~$15,540/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $960K home costs ~$10,656/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.

McLean

VA

Vienna

VA

Rate per $100

$1.110

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$15,540/yr

$10,656/yr

Notes

Fairfax County rate

Fairfax County rate; Town of Vienna adds $0.2275

Walkability

Vienna is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in McLean. Transit scores: McLean (22) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Langley Farms and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.

McLean

VA

Vienna

VA

Walk Score

28Car-Dependent
42Car-Dependent

Transit Score

22

30

Bike Score

32

48

Safety

Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% below Virginia average. McLean is rated "Very Safe" (60% 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

Vienna

VA

Safety Rating

Very Safe
Very Safe

Violent Crime

0.3/1K

0.4/1K

Property Crime

6.5/1K

7.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

60% below Virginia average

55% below Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is McLean or Vienna more affordable?

Vienna is more affordable with a median home price of $960K, 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+. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.

What are property taxes in McLean vs Vienna?

McLean has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$15,540/yr on a $1.4M home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$10,656/yr on a $960K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is McLean or Vienna better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.