Bethesda vs Gaithersburg: Cost of Living Compared (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
| Metric | Bethesda | Gaithersburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $2,207 | $1,742 | +24% |
| Median household income | $192,237 | $112,467 | +52% |
| Grocery cost index | 102.5 | 102.5 | — |
| Utilities (monthly) | $197 | $197 | — |
Salary equivalent between cities
Equivalent salary needed
$76,220
- Difference
- -$3,780