2025 Compare Cities Overview:
McLean, VA vs Richmond, VA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Richmond older or younger than people in McLean?
- The Median Age in Richmond is 12.0 years younger than in McLean.

Are housing costs cheaper in Richmond or McLean?
- Richmond housing costs are 72.4% less expensive than McLean housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Richmond or McLean?
- The average commute for residents of Richmond is 8.3 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 Richmond?
Richmond, Virginia is a vibrant city with plenty of activities for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts will love visiting Maymont Park or Belle Isle for some nature-filled fun. Meanwhile, art and history buffs can explore the exhibits at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts or the Virginia Historical Society. Sports fans can cheer on teams like the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team and the Richmond Spiders football team. Those looking to explore some local cuisine should visit Broad Street Market while music lovers can take in a show at The National. From outdoor adventures to cultural exploration, there's something for everyone in Richmond!

 McLean, VARichmond, VAUnited States
 Population  Unlock225,676329,725,481
 Median Income$242,610  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,186,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.1%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

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

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

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Mclean

Reviews for Richmond    109 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

Lived here for a year and it’s not perfect but it’s constantly improving now (areas redevloped, more businesses, job growth). Cost of living is great compared to  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

We love Richmond so much that when we talk about where we'd like to live if we could live anywhere in the US, we always come back to RVA. We live in the city proper  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

I'm an out-of-towner but am coming up on 1 year in Richmond. I would summarize it this way: the best thing and the worst thing about Richmond is its location. I'll  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Richmond


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.