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Average Rent in Baltimore, MD

By Diana Kowalski ยท Reviewed by James Okafor ยท Updated May 2026
ANNUAL AVG
$23,979
MONTHLY
$1,998
VS NATIONAL
+11%
COST INDEX
108

Direct Answer

Average Rent in Baltimore, MD averages approximately $23,979/year ($1,998/month) โ€” 11% above the US national average of $21,564. Typical range: $15,586โ€“$34,770 depending on household and provider.

Average Rent Range in Baltimore

Budget-Conscious
$15,586/yr
~$1,299/mo ยท 35% below average
Typical
$23,979/yr
~$1,998/mo ยท what most households spend
Premium
$34,770/yr
~$2,898/mo ยท 45% above average

How Baltimore Compares

Baltimore's rent cost runs $2,415 more per year than the US national average. With a cost-of-living index of 108, Baltimore is positioned in the middle of US cost rankings, with average rent tracking close to national pricing.

๐Ÿ’ก Cheaper nearby: Dover, DE (59 miles away) has lower rent cost costs at index 96.

Average Rent in Top US Cities (Annual)

CityCost IndexAnnual Avgvs. National
Baltimore, MD This page108$23,979+11%
New York, NY187$47,829+122%
Los Angeles, CA166$41,489+92%
Chicago, IL107$23,677+10%
Houston, TX96$20,356-6%
Phoenix, AZ103$22,470+4%
View all 300+ cities ranked by rent cost โ†’

How to Save on Average Rent in Baltimore

1

Shop providers annually โ€” rent cost pricing in Baltimore varies meaningfully between vendors; getting 3 quotes typically saves 10-25%.

2

Consider neighboring zip codes โ€” even within MD, rent cost can vary substantially by area.

3

Time purchases strategically โ€” off-peak periods see lower demand and better pricing for rent cost.

4

Bundle services where possible โ€” many providers in Baltimore discount combined services 10-20%.

5

Use city-specific assistance programs โ€” Baltimore and MD may offer income-based reductions for rent cost; check with local consumer-affairs offices.

Other Costs in Baltimore

See how other major expenses look in Baltimore, MD.

See the full Baltimore cost-of-living profile โ†’

Baltimore Average Rent โ€” FAQ

What is the average rent cost in Baltimore, MD?

The average rent cost in Baltimore, MD is approximately $23,979 per year ($1,998/month), based on a cost-of-living index of 108 applied to the national baseline of $21,564.

Is average rent expensive in Baltimore?

Yes โ€” rent cost in Baltimore runs about 11% above the US national average, driven by the city's overall cost index of 108. The annual cost gap versus the national figure is roughly $2,415.

How much does rent cost cost per month in Baltimore?

Monthly rent cost in Baltimore averages about $1,998. Households typically see $1,299โ€“$2,898 per month depending on size, provider choice, and lifestyle.

What drives rent cost differences between cities?

Average Rent pricing tracks local labor markets, commercial real-estate costs, and regulatory environments. Cities with higher overall cost-of-living indices (like 108 for Baltimore) systematically see higher service prices. Local competition, climate, and demand-supply balance also play significant roles.