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

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Highlights
Are people in Salem older or younger than people in McLean?
- The Median Age in Salem is 5.6 years younger than in McLean.

Are housing costs cheaper in Salem or McLean?
- Salem housing costs are 78.1% less expensive than McLean housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Salem or McLean?
- The average commute for residents of Salem is 10.6 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 Salem?
Salem, Virginia is a charming city located in the Roanoke Valley. With its beautiful natural views and its impressive history, Salem has plenty for visitors to explore. From hiking at Burgess Memorial Park to shopping and dining in downtown Salem, the city offers an array of activities for all ages. The History Museum of Western Virginia showcases photos and artifacts of the area’s past while the O. Winston Link Museum highlights stunning photography by local photographer O. Winston Link. With its small-town charm and diverse attractions, Salem is sure to captivate anyone looking for a unique experience in Virginia’s Blue Ridge region.

 McLean, VASalem, VAUnited States
 Population  Unlock25,335329,725,481
 Median Income$242,610  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,186,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.6%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 Salem    4 Reviews

Over 9 years ago

I am looking for property in  More

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Over 10 years ago

When we moved from Glen Allen VA to Salem I had read on here that cost of living including housing was cheaper. Housing is less unless you want a house bigger than 1300  More

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Over 14 years ago

Salem is a lovely town surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains. Spring, Summer and Fall is exceptionally beautiful with moderate climate and lots of  More

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