2025 Compare Cities Overview:
McLean, VA vs Santa Cruz, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in McLean?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 17.4 years younger than in McLean.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or McLean?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 7.1% more expensive than McLean housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or McLean?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 6.7 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 Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz, California is an incredible city located in the heart of the Monterey Bay area. This beautiful city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning natural beaches or the charming downtown area. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Santa Cruz their home.

 McLean, VASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$242,610  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,186,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%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 Santa Cruz    44 Reviews

I lived in the Santa Cruz area for 20 years. UCSC alum. Our kids were born there. There are wonderful things about Santa Cruz, but also many serious problems that we  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

I have been here for four generations! My kids are the fifth. I guess that should tell you how wonderful it is here, at least for us. It's so cool to have world class  More

   |    Reply

I was born over the hill in San Jose area, and as a kid I loved coming over to the boardwalk. Santa Cruz has always been and always will be a town of diversity,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Cruz


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.