Cost of Living in Garrett County, Maryland
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Garrett County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Garrett County ranks #396 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Garrett County, Maryland
Garrett County: Maryland's affordability champion
Garrett County residents spend just 12.3% of income on rent—dramatically below the national average and the lowest ratio among all Maryland counties profiled here. At $710 monthly, Garrett rents are less than half the national typical rent, making it exceptionally accessible even on the county's modest $69,031 median income.
Unmatched affordability in rural Maryland
Garrett's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio crushes Maryland's state average of 18.3%, delivering the deepest housing affordability cushion in the state. The county's $710 median rent stands 49.8% below Maryland's state average, making Garrett a hidden gem for budget-conscious renters.
West Maryland's budget sanctuary
Garrett County's $710 median rent undercuts even rural Dorchester ($959) by 26%, while its 12.3% ratio beats every other county profiled. This mountain county offers genuine affordability that reflects lower regional demand and a smaller economic footprint than areas closer to Baltimore and D.C.
Housing becomes truly optional burden
Renters pay just $710 monthly while homeowners spend $874—remarkably low costs on the $69,031 median income, consuming only 12-15% of earnings. This leaves 70%+ of household income available for savings, healthcare, education, and other priorities.
Garrett offers unbeatable housing math
If affordability is your primary concern, Garrett County delivers the lowest rent-to-income ratio in Maryland at 12.3%—nearly half the state average. Remote workers and retirees should compare Garrett's 12.3% against Charles County's 18.9% to understand your potential savings in real dollars.
Cost of Living Advisory: Garrett County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Garrett County is affordable. The median rent is $710/month against a median household income of $69,031, putting rent at 12.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $710/month rent versus $874/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $164/month cheaper — a 19% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,457/year. With a median household income of $69,031, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Garrett County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Garrett County sits 10% less expensive than Allegany County ($786/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Garrett County
Rent Burden
12.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,611
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
The median home in Garrett County may be a stretch
Median home value is $217,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,732 vs. your max of $1,611.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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