Average Rent in Baltimore 2026
The average rent in Baltimore, MD is $1,400 for a 1-bedroom, $1,750 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,200 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Baltimore is 9% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $56,000.
Baltimore Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,400
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,750
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,200
per month
Cost of Living in Baltimore
109
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Baltimore's cost of living index is 109, which is 9% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Baltimore at a Glance
Population
576K
Median Income
$54,124
COL Index
109
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Baltimore?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Baltimore by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$1,400/mo rent
$56,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$1,750/mo rent
$70,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$2,200/mo rent
$88,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Baltimore
Save $525/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,400
per month
Split 2BR
$875
per person/month
Annual Savings
$6,300
per year
Instead of paying $1,400 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,750) with one roommate brings your share to $875. That is $6,300 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Baltimore
Baltimore, MD does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
Rent Calculators for Baltimore Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Baltimore rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Baltimore
Is Baltimore expensive to rent in?
Baltimore rents are moderate compared to nearby D.C. A 1-bedroom averages $1,400 per month in 2026. Federal Hill and Canton are pricier pockets, while neighborhoods like Hampden and Remington offer more value.
How much income do you need to rent in Baltimore?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $4,667 per month ($56,000 annually) to afford an average $1,400/month 1-bedroom apartment in Baltimore.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Baltimore?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,750/month) with one roommate brings your share to $875, saving $525 per month or $6,300 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in Baltimore?