Rent in Baltimore city, MD at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,857$22,284 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $2,006 (+8%)How much rent can you afford in Baltimore city, MD?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Baltimore city, MD by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,362 | $16,344 | $54,480 | $26.19/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,511 | $18,132 | $60,440 | $29.06/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,857 | $22,284 | $74,280 | $35.71/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,358 | $28,296 | $94,320 | $45.35/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,611 | $31,332 | $104,440 | $50.21/hr |
Cost of living in Baltimore city, MD: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Baltimore city, MD
Rent in Baltimore city, MD: common questions
How much is rent going up in Baltimore city, MD in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $2,006 for a two-bedroom, up 8% from $1,857. A one-bedroom goes from $1,511 to $1,625, a studio from $1,362 to $1,523.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Baltimore city, MD?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,511 for a one-bedroom and $1,857 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $22,284 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Baltimore city, MD?
To keep a $1,857 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $35.71 an hour, or $74,280 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,511 takes $29.06 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Baltimore city, MD?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,362, one bedroom $1,511, two $1,857, three $2,358 and four $2,611 a month.
Is rent affordable in Baltimore city, MD?
For the typical household, earning $62,177 a year ($5,181 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,857 takes 35.8% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is over it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,857 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $74,280. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $35.71 an hour.