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

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

Are housing costs cheaper in McLean or Salem?
- McLean housing costs are 355.8% more expensive than Salem housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, McLean or Salem?
- The average commute for residents of McLean is 10.6 minutes longer than it is for residents of Salem.

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.

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.

 Salem, VAMcLean, VAUnited States
 Population  Unlock49,310329,725,481
 Median Income$66,472  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock46.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$260,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.57  Unlock26.38
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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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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