Cost of Living in McLean, VA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,210 (excluding rent), and $2,958 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,760 (excluding rent), and $6,185 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.03 $18.03

$16.3 $16.3

$44.46 $44.46

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$58.9 $58.9

$49.06 $49.06

$128 $128

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.12 $12.12

$15.15 $15.15

Cappuccino

$5.48 $5.48

$3.56 $3.56

$8.13 $8.13

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.14 $2.14

$2.04 $2.04

$4.08 $4.08

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.52 $1.52

$6.09 $6.09

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.67 $6.67

$4.1 $4.1

$20.52 $20.52

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.57 $7.57

$4.88 $4.88

$11.72 $11.72

Milk (1 liter)

$1.18 $1.18

$0.54 $0.54

$1.88 $1.88

White Bread (500g)

$3.5 $3.5

$1.08 $1.08

$4.87 $4.87

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.55 $2.55

$2.16 $2.16

$10.81 $10.81

Eggs

$4.94 $4.94

$4.12 $4.12

$9.27 $9.27

Local Cheese (1kg)

$17.5 $17.5

$6.99 $6.99

$22.03 $22.03

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.82 $9.82

$7.58 $7.58

$23.81 $23.81

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$20.32 $20.32

$8.96 $8.96

$34.72 $34.72

Apples (1kg)

$6.94 $6.94

$3.78 $3.78

$10.78 $10.78

Banana (1kg)

$1.7 $1.7

$1.44 $1.44

$4.54 $4.54

Oranges (1kg)

$8.22 $8.22

$4.53 $4.53

$11.33 $11.33

Tomato (1kg)

$7.93 $7.93

$4.37 $4.37

$13.11 $13.11

Potato (1kg)

$4.71 $4.71

$4.34 $4.34

$5.43 $5.43

Onion (1kg)

$3.65 $3.65

$2.19 $2.19

$4.39 $4.39

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.85 $2.85

$1.77 $1.77

$3.54 $3.54

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.02 $1.02

$3.83 $3.83

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.93 $7.93

$4.96 $4.96

$14.87 $14.87

Wine (Bottle)

$16.72 $16.72

$8.62 $8.62

$25.34 $25.34

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.69 $1.69

$2.09 $2.09

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.72 $3.72

$1.64 $1.64

$5.95 $5.95

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.51 $2.51

$1.26 $1.26

$2.51 $2.51

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.63 $4.63

$3.09 $3.09

$6.18 $6.18

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.39 $1.39

$4.41 $4.41

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.98 $28.98

$26.21 $26.21

$34.75 $34.75

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.89 $0.89

$0.8 $0.8

$1.23 $1.23

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$26.6K $26.6K

$23.1K $23.1K

$33.1K $33.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.2K $24.2K

$22.6K $22.6K

$24.3K $24.3K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$215 $215

$89 $89

$445 $445

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$53.4 $53.4

$43.47 $43.47

$91 $91

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$60.5 $60.5

$39.46 $39.46

$112 $112

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$91.5 $91.5

$17.79 $17.79

$91.5 $91.5

Cinema Ticket

$15.51 $15.51

$15.26 $15.26

$23.4 $23.4

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,924 $1,924

$368 $368

$3,480 $3,480

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$55.7K $55.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.95 $47.95

$30.28 $30.28

$60.6 $60.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$47.53 $47.53

$24.59 $24.59

$78.7 $78.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$68.8 $68.8

$143 $143

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$64.3 $64.3

$157 $157

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,808 $2,808

$1,203 $1,203

$2,808 $2,808

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,595 $1,595

$997 $997

$1,595 $1,595

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,763 $3,763

$3,512 $3,512

$4,014 $4,014

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,302 $3,302

$3,048 $3,048

$3,556 $3,556

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,698 $5,698

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.46

6.9

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in McLean, VA - Frequently Asked Questions

McLean, VA sits at the upper end of the D.C. metro's affordability spectrum. You get strong safety, excellent services, and reliable infrastructure, but long-term housing and utilities typically carry higher price impressions than many nearby suburbs. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, flexible stays and short-term options can soften the bite without sacrificing convenience. Cost of Living in McLean, VA captures these trade-offs: high comfort, predictable amenities, and quick access to the city. Tip: Map your priorities – transit access, coworking spaces, and groceries – and sample stays in a few neighborhoods before committing.

Daily life in McLean blends suburban calm with easy access to a major metro area. Housing searches skew toward well-kept apartments in planned communities and single-family homes; proximity to Tysons and DC shapes price perceptions, so start broad and refine by commute. For groceries and dining, you’ll find premium markets alongside casual eateries; balance convenience with budget by shopping midweek and watching for seasonal deals. Transportation is practical: many rely on a car, but park-and-ride options and occasional rideshares help control costs. McLean, VA living cost varies by neighborhood and season, so plan flexible weeks. Tip: Use local forums or management offices to spot short-term or sublet deals.

Quality of life in McLean comes from balancing high standards with practical routines. Build a simple budgeting framework: fixed costs like housing and utilities, and variable ones like food and leisure; anticipate seasonal changes so you aren’t surprised by heating or cooling needs. Neighborhood fit matters: Tysons’ transit access suits remote workers; North McLean offers quieter streets; Langley offers parks and schools. Save by choosing longer leases, sharing spaces, cooking at home, and prioritizing free or low-cost community events. Plan ahead for busy seasons and frame your weeks by a realistic commute loop. Tip: test your favorite routes during different times of day to gauge true travel time.