Cost of Living in Bethesda, MD (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Key facts
- Rent (1-bedroom)
- $2,207/month
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Median household income
- $192,237
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Regional price parity
- 105.0 (above national average)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024-12-31
- Utilities (monthly)
- $197/month
- U.S. Energy Information Administration · 2026-06-30
- Rent burden (of income)
- 14% (affordable)
- Derived from Census + HUD threshold · 2024-12-31
Can you afford this city?
- Groceries (est.)
- $420
- Monthly surplus
- $926
Salary needed to live here
- Gross per month
- $5,034
- Comfortable budget
- $3,524
Bethesda, MD vs the US average
| Metric | Value | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
Grocery cost index (BEA Regional Price Parities, Dec 2024) | 102.5 | +3% vs US |
Median household income (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $192,237 | +147% vs US |
Median home value (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $1,169,900 | +244% vs US |
Rent (1BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $2,207 | +70% vs US |
Rent (2BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $2,676 | +82% vs US |
Utilities (monthly) (EIA Electricity Retail Sales, Jun 2026) | $197 | -4% vs US |
Cost breakdown vs US average
What it costs to live in Bethesda
A one-bedroom rental in Bethesda, MD runs about $2,207 per month — well above the national median of $1,300 (70% more). The median household income here is $192,237, and a one-bedroom lease absorbs about 14% of that — leaving room under the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $1,169,900 is about 6.1× median income — well above the 3× rule of thumb, making ownership a stretch on a typical local salary. That's 244% above the U.S. median of $340,200. Use the calculator above to see how far your income goes, with rent and utilities prefilled from the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.
Buying a home in Bethesda?
Mortgage payment calculator
- Principal & interest
- $2,108
- Total interest
- $438,707
Estimate only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are illustrative and may not reflect your situation. Consult a qualified professional.
Cite this page
CostAlmanac US, *Bethesda, MD — Cost of Living*, https://costalmanac.com/cost-of-living/bethesda-md
Data from U.S. government sources. See methodology for how every number is computed.