Bethesda, MD

Very High · 244

Maryland · Population 67,403 · Updated March 2026

$2,437
Median Rent / Month
$191,348
Median Income
$1,129,700
Median Home Value
$2,848
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Bethesda

15.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Maryland

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

5.75%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
1.07%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$29,244
Annual Rent
$11,003
State Income Tax
$12,088
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Bethesda has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 244 (where 100 equals the national median), Bethesda residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,437/month while earning a median household income of $191,348/year.

The median home value in Bethesda, MD is $1,129,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,848 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Maryland has a moderate income tax rate of 5.75%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 1.07% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Bethesda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Bethesda

What is the cost of living in Bethesda, MD?
The cost of living index in Bethesda, MD is 244 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,437, median household income is $191,348/year, and the median home value is $1,129,700.
Is Bethesda, MD affordable?
No, Bethesda is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 244. The rent-to-income ratio is 15.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Bethesda, MD?
The median gross rent in Bethesda, MD is $2,437 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $29,244.
What is the median household income in Bethesda?
The median household income in Bethesda, MD is $191,348 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Maryland?
Maryland has a top income tax rate of 5.75%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.07%.