2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Chicago, IL vs Bethesda, MD

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Highlights
Are people in Bethesda older or younger than people in Chicago?
- The Median Age in Bethesda is 7.9 years older than in Chicago.

Are housing costs cheaper in Bethesda or Chicago?
- Bethesda housing costs are 277.4% more expensive than Chicago housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Bethesda or Chicago?
- The average commute for residents of Bethesda is 5.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Chicago.

Things to do in Chicago?
Chicago, Illinois is an American icon. Located along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, it's a vibrant city with an energy like no other. It's renowned for its world-class museums and galleries, rich history and stunning architecture. With hundreds of parks and beaches to explore, amazing restaurants to sample, and a bustling nightlife scene - Chicago has something for everyone! It's the home of diverse cultures and international events, making it one of the most unique cities in the US.

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.

 Chicago, ILBethesda, MDUnited States
 Population  Unlock66,294329,725,481
 Median Income$65,781  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock4338.4
 Avg. Home Price$284,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time34.63  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Chicago    270 Reviews

I've lived in Chicago city and later moved to suburbs when family size increased. Absolutely love this city. This is the cleanest and most beautiful among the major  More

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Chicago is probably the best value in a major city that you can find and my personal favorite city. It will become increasingly important as climate change makes the  More

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I've live on north side and south side, UIC medical center. Don't move here go to the north side. No good amenities, if you get bored with one there is no other choices.  More

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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

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

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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

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