Market Overview
Bethesda's median sold price is $1.2M with homes averaging 38 days on market; Bowie is at $501K and 37 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Bethesda is pricier ($1.2M median vs $501K), a difference of about $729K. Bowie moves faster, with homes averaging 37 days on market compared to 38 in Bethesda. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bethesda
MD
Bowie
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$1.2M
$501K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
38 days
37 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$200K–$900K
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Schools
Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Bowie has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Bowie, Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. See Bethesda schools | See Bowie schools
Bethesda
MD
Bowie
MD
Avg Pass Rate
93%
75%
Public schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495).
Bethesda
MD
Bowie
MD
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Bethesda)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Red
N/A
Major Highways
I-495, I-270, Rt 355
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Penn Line)
Property Tax
On a $1.2M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$12,154/yr in property tax. In Bowie, a $501K home costs ~$6,401/yr. Bethesda has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Bethesda
MD
Bowie
MD
Rate per $100
$0.988
$1.278
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$12,154/yr
$6,401/yr
Notes
Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)
Prince George's County rate
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs Bowie (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Bowie Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Bethesda
MD
Bowie
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
55
15
Bike Score
68
25
Safety
Bethesda is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% below Virginia average. Bowie is rated "Average" (5% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Bethesda
MD
Bowie
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
1.5/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
5% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Bowie more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median sold price of $501K, compared to $1.2M in Bethesda (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Bowie?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Bowie has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Bowie, Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Bethesda or Bowie?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Bowie has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Bethesda vs Bowie?
Bethesda has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$12,154/yr on a $1.2M home). Bowie's rate is $1.278 per $100 (~$6,401/yr on a $501K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Bethesda and Bowie compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to D. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated August 2026.