City Comparison

McLean vs Virginia Beach: How they compare

McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Virginia Beach is the state's most populous city, offering oceanfront living, a thriving resort economy, and proximity to major military installations. 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; Virginia Beach is at $364K and 18 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $364K), a difference of about $986K. Virginia Beach moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 41 in McLean. Virginia Beach offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M+.

McLean

VA

Virginia Beach

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$1.4M

$364K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

41 days

18 days

Price Range

$700K–$5M+

$175K–$2M+

Notable Neighborhoods

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

Oceanfront, Town Center, Great Neck, Kempsville

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is McLean or Virginia Beach more affordable?

Virginia Beach is more affordable with a median sold price of $364K, 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+. Virginia Beach prices range from $175K–$2M+.

How do McLean and Virginia Beach compare?

McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Virginia Beach is the state's most populous city, offering oceanfront living, a thriving resort economy, and proximity to major military installations. 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 Virginia Beach: $1.4M vs $364K (2026) | smover