Bethesda, MD vs Suitland, MD

The cost of living difference between Bethesda, MD and Suitland, MD is dramatic. Suitland is 78.1% cheaper than Bethesda, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bethesda has a cost index of 205 while Suitland sits at 115, 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 $1,684/month in Suitland — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Suitland is more affordable at $312,600 median vs $1,129,700.

Median household income in Bethesda is $191,348 compared to $71,886 in Suitland (+166.2%). 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 28.1% in Suitland.

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