Bethesda, MD vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living Comparison
Washington has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Bethesda | Washington | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 241 | 163 | Washington |
| Housing | 324 ($1,706) | 208 ($1,330) | Washington |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Bethesda |
| Food & groceries | 256 ($1,050) | 142 ($582) | Washington |
| Utilities | 212 ($583) | 154 ($374) | Washington |
| Healthcare | 212 ($421) | 154 ($270) | Washington |
| Median annual wage | 123 ($59,510) | 189 ($91,540) | Bethesda |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda, MD or Washington, DC cheaper to live in?
Washington, DC is cheaper overall by about 78 index points (Bethesda, MD: 241, Washington, DC: 163; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Bethesda, MD vs Washington, DC?
A single adult needs roughly $84,350/year in Bethesda, MD and $57,050/year in Washington, DC to cover basic living costs.