Maryland Cost of Living
Housing costs and affordability data for 24 counties.
Average Monthly Rent
$1,415/mo
Average Home Value
$350,738
Average Owner Cost
$1,635/mo
At a Glance
Housing Costs in Maryland: An Overview
The median rent in Maryland is $1,415 per month, which is 22% above the national median of $1,163. This places the state among the more expensive places to lease a home in the country.
Within Maryland, housing costs vary significantly by county. Howard County is the most expensive county with a median rent of $2,038 per month and a median home value of $576,700. At the other end of the spectrum, Garrett County offers the most affordable housing, with a median rent of $710 per month and homes valued at a median of $217,000.
The average home value across Maryland counties is $350,738, 24% higher than the national median of $281,900. With a median household income of roughly $94,152, many residents find homeownership a stretch.
Before moving to Maryland, it is worth understanding the local housing landscape. Costs can swing dramatically between rural and urban counties, so researching the specific county you plan to live in is essential. Use the county-level data below to compare rent, home values, and affordability ratings so you can budget accurately for your relocation.
Distribution
Rent Distribution in Maryland
How median rents are spread across 24 counties
Top 5 Most Expensive Counties
Top 5 Most Affordable Counties
All Maryland Counties
| County | Median Rent | Home Value | Owner Cost | Rent/Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howard County | Expensive$2,038/mo | $576,700 | $2,458/mo | 29.0% |
| Montgomery County | Expensive$2,030/mo | $615,200 | $2,329/mo | 30.0% |
| Anne Arundel County | Expensive$1,990/mo | $450,300 | $2,051/mo | 29.0% |
| Charles County | Expensive$1,897/mo | $402,300 | $2,170/mo | 28.0% |
| Prince George's County | Expensive$1,761/mo | $404,300 | $2,160/mo | 31.0% |
| Frederick County | Expensive$1,706/mo | $437,700 | $2,033/mo | 29.0% |
| Calvert County | Expensive$1,701/mo | $440,200 | $2,031/mo | 30.0% |
| St. Mary's County | Expensive$1,692/mo | $390,900 | $1,884/mo | 27.0% |
| Queen Anne's County | Expensive$1,611/mo | $441,800 | $1,961/mo | 31.0% |
| Baltimore County | Expensive$1,566/mo | $330,000 | $1,594/mo | 31.0% |
| Harford County | Expensive$1,557/mo | $367,300 | $1,680/mo | 29.0% |
| Carroll County | Moderate$1,370/mo | $406,400 | $1,920/mo | 29.0% |
| Cecil County | Moderate$1,367/mo | $311,800 | $1,596/mo | 30.0% |
| Baltimore city | Moderate$1,290/mo | $219,300 | $1,402/mo | 32.0% |
| Talbot County | Moderate$1,248/mo | $398,300 | $1,580/mo | 30.0% |
| Wicomico County | Moderate$1,238/mo | $238,900 | $1,245/mo | 30.0% |
| Worcester County | Moderate$1,180/mo | $348,100 | $1,378/mo | 31.0% |
| Kent County | Moderate$1,144/mo | $307,100 | $1,408/mo | 32.0% |
| Washington County | Moderate$1,100/mo | $275,900 | $1,268/mo | 29.0% |
| Caroline County | Moderate$1,070/mo | $272,400 | $1,314/mo | 32.0% |
| Dorchester County | Affordable$959/mo | $252,300 | $1,090/mo | 30.0% |
| Somerset County | Affordable$938/mo | $164,300 | $977/mo | 34.0% |
| Allegany County | Affordable$786/mo | $149,200 | $830/mo | 29.0% |
| Garrett County | Affordable$710/mo | $217,000 | $874/mo | 23.0% |
Compare Maryland to Other States
See how Maryland counties stack up against counties in other states. Compare rent, home values, and affordability side by side.
Start a ComparisonFrequently Asked Questions About Maryland Housing Costs
What is the most affordable county in Maryland?
What is the most expensive county to live in Maryland?
How does Maryland's cost of living compare to the national average?
What is the average home value in Maryland?
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Maryland, Maryland? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.