Market Overview
Bethesda's median sold price is $1.2M with homes averaging 38 days on market; Sterling is at $615K and 26 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Bethesda is pricier ($1.2M median vs $615K), a difference of about $615K. Sterling moves faster, with homes averaging 26 days on market compared to 38 in Bethesda. Sterling offers a lower entry point at $180K–$1.5M.
Bethesda
MD
Sterling
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$1.2M
$615K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
38 days
26 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$180K–$1.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Cascades, Countryside, Sugarland Run, Lowes Island
MD
Find agents in Bethesda
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Bethesda.
View agentsVA
Find agents in Sterling
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Sterling.
View agentsDecided between Bethesda and Sterling? See how buying a home works on smover.
Related Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Sterling more affordable?
Sterling is more affordable with a median sold price of $615K, 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+. Sterling prices range from $180K–$1.5M.
How do Bethesda and Sterling compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Sterling is a fast-growing Loudoun County community near Dulles Airport. 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.