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

77.23

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,141 (excluding rent), and $2,940 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,707 (excluding rent), and $6,080 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.39 $18.39

$16.63 $16.63

$45.34 $45.34

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$61 $61

$50.9 $50.9

$132 $132

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.9 $11.9

$14.87 $14.87

Cappuccino

$5.35 $5.35

$3.47 $3.47

$7.94 $7.94

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

$2.07 $2.07

$1.97 $1.97

$3.93 $3.93

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.48 $1.48

$5.9 $5.9

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.37 $6.37

$3.92 $3.92

$19.61 $19.61

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.69 $7.69

$4.96 $4.96

$11.91 $11.91

Milk (1 liter)

$1.14 $1.14

$0.52 $0.52

$1.81 $1.81

White Bread (500g)

$3.6 $3.6

$1.11 $1.11

$5.02 $5.02

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.67 $2.67

$2.26 $2.26

$11.31 $11.31

Eggs

$4.71 $4.71

$3.93 $3.93

$8.83 $8.83

Local Cheese (1kg)

$17.82 $17.82

$7.12 $7.12

$22.42 $22.42

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.8 $9.8

$7.57 $7.57

$23.77 $23.77

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$19.85 $19.85

$8.75 $8.75

$33.91 $33.91

Apples (1kg)

$7.25 $7.25

$3.95 $3.95

$11.27 $11.27

Banana (1kg)

$1.68 $1.68

$1.42 $1.42

$4.48 $4.48

Oranges (1kg)

$7.91 $7.91

$4.36 $4.36

$10.9 $10.9

Tomato (1kg)

$7.98 $7.98

$4.4 $4.4

$13.2 $13.2

Potato (1kg)

$4.83 $4.83

$4.46 $4.46

$5.57 $5.57

Onion (1kg)

$3.59 $3.59

$2.15 $2.15

$4.31 $4.31

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.88 $2.88

$1.79 $1.79

$3.58 $3.58

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.02 $1.02

$3.81 $3.81

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.21 $8.21

$5.13 $5.13

$15.39 $15.39

Wine (Bottle)

$16.34 $16.34

$8.42 $8.42

$24.76 $24.76

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.69 $1.69

$2.09 $2.09

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.78 $3.78

$1.66 $1.66

$6.04 $6.04

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.45 $2.45

$1.22 $1.22

$2.45 $2.45

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.43 $4.43

$2.96 $2.96

$5.91 $5.91

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.35 $1.35

$4.27 $4.27

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$32.6 $32.6

$29.48 $29.48

$39.09 $39.09

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.83 $0.83

$0.75 $0.75

$1.15 $1.15

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

$26.4K $26.4K

$22.9K $22.9K

$32.8K $32.8K

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

$24.4K $24.4K

$22.8K $22.8K

$24.5K $24.5K

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

$213 $213

$88.2 $88.2

$441 $441

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

$51.8 $51.8

$42.15 $42.15

$88.2 $88.2

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$62 $62

$40.46 $40.46

$115 $115

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$89.2 $89.2

$17.35 $17.35

$89.2 $89.2

Cinema Ticket

$15.53 $15.53

$15.27 $15.27

$23.42 $23.42

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

$1,929 $1,929

$369 $369

$3,489 $3,489

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$55.9K $55.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.61 $47.61

$30.07 $30.07

$60.1 $60.1

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$48.43 $48.43

$25.05 $25.05

$80.2 $80.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$70.5 $70.5

$146 $146

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$64.8 $64.8

$159 $159

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,828 $2,828

$1,212 $1,212

$2,828 $2,828

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,617 $1,617

$1,010 $1,010

$1,617 $1,617

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,791 $3,791

$3,538 $3,538

$4,044 $4,044

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,262 $3,262

$3,011 $3,011

$3,513 $3,513

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,124 $3,124

$2,231 $2,231

$3,124 $3,124

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,764 $2,764

$2,137 $2,137

$2,764 $2,764

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.46

6.9

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

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.