Arlington, VA vs Bethesda, MD: Cost of Living Comparison
Arlington has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Arlington | Bethesda | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 241 | Arlington |
| Housing | 248 ($1,593) | 324 ($1,706) | Arlington |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 99 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 188 ($771) | 256 ($1,050) | Arlington |
| Utilities | 174 ($446) | 212 ($583) | Arlington |
| Healthcare | 174 ($322) | 212 ($421) | Arlington |
| Median annual wage | 115 ($55,690) | 123 ($59,510) | Arlington |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington, VA or Bethesda, MD cheaper to live in?
Arlington, VA is cheaper overall by about 51 index points (Arlington, VA: 190, Bethesda, MD: 241; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Arlington, VA vs Bethesda, MD?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Arlington, VA and $84,350/year in Bethesda, MD to cover basic living costs.