Maryland · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in North Bethesda, MD

The median household in North Bethesda, MD earns $129,092 a year ($10,758/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $2,246/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $89,840 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 8.9% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$129,092$10,758 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$2,246HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)108.9+8.9% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate21.8¢per kWh · EIA Residential MD
Census Population49,677Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in North Bethesda, MD

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$2,246Monthly market rent
Share of gross income20.9%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$89,840To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$3,227At 30% of $129,092
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: North Bethesda, MD

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for North Bethesda, MD
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,953$23,436$78,12018.2%
1-Bedroom Apartment$2,015$24,180$80,60018.7%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$2,246$26,952$89,84020.9%
3-Bedroom Home$2,835$34,020$113,40026.4%
4-Bedroom Home$3,332$39,984$133,28031%

See dedicated rental breakdown for North Bethesda, MD →

50/30/20 Living Budget in North Bethesda, MD

Based on the local median household income of $129,092/year ($10,758/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$5,379/moRent ($2,246 2-BR), utilities (~$197/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$3,227/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 108.9 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$2,152/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Maryland

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Maryland state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$129,092
$50,000$260,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$129,092
Net 72%
Fed 15%
MD 5%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$93,556After all taxes
Monthly deposit$7,796Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$3,598Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate27.5%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$19,716 / yr
Maryland state income tax$5,945 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$9,876 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Maryland with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in North Bethesda, MD

What is the median household income in North Bethesda, MD?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in North Bethesda, MD is $129,092 per year (approximately $10,758 per month).

What is the average rent in North Bethesda, MD?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in North Bethesda, MD are $1,953 for a studio, $2,015 for 1 bedroom, $2,246 for 2 bedrooms, $2,835 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,332 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in North Bethesda, MD compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in North Bethesda, MD is 108.9 (8.9% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in North Bethesda, MD?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($2,246/month) in North Bethesda, MD requires a minimum gross household income of $89,840 per year ($7,487 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in North Bethesda, MD?

For a typical household earning the median income of $129,092/year ($10,758/month) in North Bethesda, MD, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $5,379/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $3,227/month to discretionary spending, and $2,152/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in North Bethesda, MD?

Residential electricity rates in Maryland average 21.8¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $197 per month.