Bethesda, MD vs Edgewood, MD

The cost of living difference between Bethesda, MD and Edgewood, MD is dramatic. Edgewood is 107.2% cheaper than Bethesda, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bethesda has a cost index of 205 while Edgewood sits at 99, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Bethesda is $2,437/month compared to $1,435/month in Edgewood — a 70% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Edgewood is more affordable at $234,700 median vs $1,129,700.

Median household income in Bethesda is $191,348 compared to $86,355 in Edgewood (+121.6%). While Bethesda is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bethesda spend roughly 15.3% of their income on rent, less than the 19.9% in Edgewood.

Climate-wise, Bethesda is notably warmer with an average of 59.3°F compared to 55.2°F in Edgewood. Edgewood receives more rainfall at 47.1" per year compared to 41.8" in Bethesda.