Cost of Living in North Bethesda, MD

Population 49,498 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023

206
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

North Bethesda's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $712,000 for a typical home, 133% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $128,970 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Located 11 miles northwest of Washington, North Bethesda falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Washington's $725,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 233
Rent 164

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in North Bethesda

The median home value in North Bethesda is $712,100 — 133% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,161/month, 64% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $128,970/year is 73% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Maryland's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, North Bethesda has a cost of living index of 206 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 106% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$712,100
133% above avg
Median Rent
$2,161/mo
64% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
27.5x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,407
1 BR
$1,604
2 BR
$1,898
3 BR
$2,407
4 BR
$2,822
Owner-occupied 49.2%
Renter-occupied 50.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,161
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,775/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
32.6 min
21% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
32.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
46.9%
Carpooled
4.8%
Public transit
12.8%
Walked
1.9%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
32.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$128,970
73% above avg
Per Capita Income
$79,964
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
28% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.7%
Labor Force Participation
69.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 30.4%
Graduate degree 43.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.2
Male median age 38.8
Female median age 41.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
81.5%
Good air days/yr
165
Max AQI recorded
162
PM2.5 days
195
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in North Bethesda, MD?

North Bethesda has a cost index of 206 (100 = national average). It is 106% above the national average.

What is average rent in North Bethesda, MD?

The median gross rent in North Bethesda is $2,161 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in North Bethesda?

The median home value in North Bethesda is $712,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in North Bethesda?

The median household income in North Bethesda is $128,970 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in North Bethesda, MD?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in North Bethesda is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is North Bethesda, MD affordable?

North Bethesda is above average in cost of living, with an index of 206 — about 106% higher than the national average.

North Bethesda at a Glance

Population
49,498
Median Income
$128,970
Home Value
$712,100
Median Rent
$2,161/mo
Unemployment
3.5%
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Maryland →
🗺️ County data for Maryland

Explore county-level cost of living data

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