Baltimore, MD vs Bethesda, MD: Cost of Living Comparison
Baltimore has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Baltimore | Bethesda | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 79 | 241 | Baltimore |
| Housing | 63 ($903) | 324 ($1,706) | Baltimore |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 99 ($3.50) | Bethesda |
| Food & groceries | 80 ($328) | 256 ($1,050) | Baltimore |
| Utilities | 82 ($113) | 212 ($583) | Baltimore |
| Healthcare | 82 ($82) | 212 ($421) | Baltimore |
| Median annual wage | 123 ($59,510) | 123 ($59,510) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore, MD or Bethesda, MD cheaper to live in?
Baltimore, MD is cheaper overall by about 162 index points (Baltimore, MD: 79, Bethesda, MD: 241; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Baltimore, MD vs Bethesda, MD?
A single adult needs roughly $27,650/year in Baltimore, MD and $84,350/year in Bethesda, MD to cover basic living costs.