2025 Compare Cities Overview:
McLean, VA vs Bethesda, MD

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Highlights
Are people in Bethesda older or younger than people in McLean?
- The Median Age in Bethesda is 3.4 years younger than in McLean.

Are housing costs cheaper in Bethesda or McLean?
- Bethesda housing costs are 9.6% less expensive than McLean housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Bethesda or McLean?
- The average commute for residents of Bethesda is 0.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of McLean.

Things to do in McLean?
McLean, VA is an affluent suburb located northwest of Washington D.C., but within Fairfax County's borders. This town of nearly 52,000 people hosts numerous shopping areas like Tyson Galleria and Tysons Corner Center as well as high quality public education options with several distinguished schools in the area.

Things to do in Bethesda?
Bethesda, Maryland is an incredible city located just northwest of Washington D.C. This beautiful city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning Glen Echo Park or the charming Cabin John Regional Park. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Acorn Urban Park, Little Falls Creek Stream Valley, and Capital Crescent Trail. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Bethesda their home.

 McLean, VABethesda, MDUnited States
 Population  Unlock66,294329,725,481
 Median Income$242,610  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock4338.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,186,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.16  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Mclean    7 Reviews

Over 12 years ago

McLean has superb QOL - inside the Beltway, rural feeling, easy commute to DC via nat'l parkway, influential  More

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Over 17 years ago

There are definitely four seasons here; but, the winters tend to be short and the summers  More

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Over 18 years ago

Very expensive housing here. We could never afford to buy  More

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Reviews for Bethesda    12 Reviews

Bethesda is awesome if you want to live near DC and in a relatively safe city that has few parking issues. Montgomery county has parking lots in downtown Bethesda and  More

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Amenities are plentiful, but costs continue to rise as do local and state taxes. Overall not a friendly place to  More

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Essentially an upscale suburb of Washington DC. Public transport is easy, there's plenty to do (though with none of the edginess of living closer in DC) and it's minutes  More

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