Average Rent in Baltimore, MD↑ Rents rising 1.1% YoY🔺 Most expensive in MD

Baltimore, MD has rental prices ranging from $1,407/month to $2,826/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,604/month — 15% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $97,300/year, spending $1,604/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Baltimore Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,965/month, Baltimore ranks #1 most expensive of the 12 cities tracked in Maryland — pricier than 98% of all US cities in our data.

The Baltimore Rental Market

The Baltimore, MD area has a population of about 2,839,409 and 33% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Baltimore, MD have risen by $22/month (1.1%) over the past year, from $1,943 to $1,965. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Baltimore, MD without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $64,160. The local median household income of $97,300 exceeds that threshold by $33,140, making Baltimore relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Baltimore, MD is $191,986, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 8.1. At this ratio, buyers who plan to stay 8 or more years may find purchasing more cost-effective than renting at current market prices.

Safety

Crime statistics for Baltimore, MD show a violent crime rate of 447.1 per 100,000 residents (elevated) and a property crime rate of 2181.47 per 100,000 residents (moderate). As with any metro area, crime rates vary widely by neighborhood — prospective renters are encouraged to research specific areas within Baltimore before signing a lease.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Baltimore's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Carrollton Ridge ($35,604 median home value), Booth-Boyd ($42,144 median home value), Shipley Hill ($44,900 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Baltimore, MD Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Baltimore?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Baltimore

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.