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Bethesda, Maryland Retirement Guide
Retirement Score
Bethesda, Maryland at a Glance
- Median Home Price
- $1,102,100
- State Income Tax
- State income tax; Social Security exempt; pension exclusion available for qualifying retirees.
- Avg January Low
- 30°F
- Cost of Living Index
- 104.9 (US avg = 100)
- Best For
- established retirement community
- RetireCityIQ Score
- 40 / 100
Overview
Explore the key retirement factors for Bethesda, Maryland, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.
Cost of Living
Affordability Metrics
Bethesda's cost of living is 4.900000000000006% above the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.
Housing
Real Estate & Housing
10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)
Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Bethesda using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.
Estimated monthly carrying cost
$2,388
Stress-case monthly carrying cost
$2,682
Median home price used: $1,102,100
Median rent reference: $2,094 / month
Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.
Budget validation
Calculate if your savings last in this city
Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Bethesda, Maryland after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.
Open the RetireFree Calculator →Healthcare
Access & Quality
Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Bethesda scores 35.5 out of 100 for healthcare access.
Care planning link
Find local assisted living in Bethesda
If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.
Assisted living in Bethesda →Taxes
State Tax Climate
Maryland has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.
Climate
Weather & Environment
With 288 sunny days a year and an average January low of 30°F, Bethesda offers a traditional winter climate.
Safety & Walkability
Community Safety
Walkability
Demographics
Population Profile
Diversity Breakdown
Frequently asked questions about retiring in Bethesda
Is Bethesda, Maryland a good place to retire?▾
Bethesda, Maryland is one of the US retirement-friendly cities tracked by RetireCityIQ. Notable retirement-relevant traits include established retirement community. See the at-a-glance card on this page for the cost of living, state tax treatment, climate, and healthcare access metrics.
What is the cost of living in Bethesda, Maryland for retirees?▾
The cost-of-living index is 105, roughly 5% above the national average of 100. Median home price is around $1,102,100.
Does Maryland tax Social Security or retirement income?▾
For Maryland residents: State income tax; Social Security exempt; pension exclusion available for qualifying retirees.
What is the climate like in Bethesda, Maryland?▾
Bethesda, Maryland has January average low around 30°F, July average high around 89°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.
What is healthcare access like in Bethesda, Maryland?▾
Bethesda scores 36/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a adequate score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).
Local Professionals
Financial Advisors
TORRAY INVESTMENT PARTNERS LLC
TRUMBOWER FINANCIAL ADVISORS LLC
TORRAY INVESTMENT PARTNERS LLC
+38 more financial advisors available