2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Bethesda, MD vs Petaluma, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Petaluma older or younger than people in Bethesda?
- The Median Age in Petaluma is 0.2 years younger than in Bethesda.

Are housing costs cheaper in Petaluma or Bethesda?
- Petaluma housing costs are 21.7% less expensive than Bethesda housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Petaluma or Bethesda?
- The average commute for residents of Petaluma is 0.8 minutes longer than it is for residents of Bethesda.

Things to do in Bethesda?
Bethesda, Maryland is an incredible city located just northwest of Washington D.C. This beautiful city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning Glen Echo Park or the charming Cabin John Regional Park. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Acorn Urban Park, Little Falls Creek Stream Valley, and Capital Crescent Trail. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Bethesda their home.

Things to do in Petaluma?
Petaluma, California is a charming city located in Sonoma County, approximately 52 miles north of San Francisco. The city was first settled by Europeans in the 1850s and is known today for its historic downtown area full of antique stores, restaurants and specialty shops. Petaluma has something for everyone with its unique shops, farms, vineyards, ranches, community events and scenic hikes. It has become an increasingly popular destination due to its laid-back atmosphere and close proximity to wine country and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or a romantic getaway, Petaluma awaits!

 Bethesda, MDPetaluma, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock60,050329,725,481
 Median Income$178,370  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,072,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time29.3  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Bethesda    12 Reviews

Bethesda is awesome if you want to live near DC and in a relatively safe city that has few parking issues. Montgomery county has parking lots in downtown Bethesda and  More

   |    Reply

Amenities are plentiful, but costs continue to rise as do local and state taxes. Overall not a friendly place to  More

   |    Reply

Essentially an upscale suburb of Washington DC. Public transport is easy, there's plenty to do (though with none of the edginess of living closer in DC) and it's minutes  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Bethesda

Reviews for Petaluma    16 Reviews

I agree with the low star reviews. Been here for 25 years, raised a family and seen everything turn to the left and worse. Weather is glorious, love the old Victorians  More

   |    Reply

We’ve lived here for 3 years and we love it. It has taken some time to grow on us. We moved from SF where we had lived over 15 years, we were not used to one year leases  More

   |    Reply

I’ve lived here a couple of years (after living in others parts of the Bay Area for 15+ years) and I love it! Great neighborhoods, friendly folks, good schools with  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Petaluma


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.