Bethesda, MD vs Olney, MD

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Olney is 25.5% cheaper than Bethesda. With a cost index of 163 vs 205, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Olney to Bethesda should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bethesda is $2,437/month compared to $2,409/month in Olney — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Olney is more affordable at $632,400 median vs $1,129,700.

Median household income in Bethesda is $191,348 compared to $171,766 in Olney (+11.4%). Bethesda does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Bethesda spend roughly 15.3% of their income on rent, less than the 16.8% in Olney.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (59.3°F vs 59.3°F). Olney receives more rainfall at 41.8" per year compared to 41.8" in Bethesda.