Cost of Living in Montgomery County, Maryland
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Montgomery County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Montgomery County ranks #1,907 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Montgomery County, Maryland
Montgomery: D.C. proximity, high prices
Montgomery County residents spend 18.9% of income on rent—above the national average—while earning a strong median income of $128,733. Washington D.C. proximity drives rents to $2,030 monthly, the second-highest profiled, yet the county's robust income still makes housing manageable.
Ties Charles for highest rent burden
Montgomery's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio ties Charles County for the highest among Maryland counties profiled, exceeding the state average of 18.3%. The county's median rent of $2,030 ranks second only to Howard County, reflecting Washington D.C.'s gravitational pull on the region.
Premium pricing for proximity to D.C.
Montgomery's $2,030 median rent trails only Howard County ($2,038) and significantly exceeds all other profiled counties, reflecting its status as D.C.'s premier Maryland suburb. Its 18.9% ratio matches Charles County's burden but offers superior transit access and federal job opportunities.
High costs on high incomes balance out
Renters pay $2,030 monthly while homeowners spend $2,329 against the $128,733 median income—substantial costs offset by strong earnings. Housing consumes roughly 30% of typical household budgets, standard for affluent suburbs.
Montgomery: pay for D.C. convenience
Montgomery County's 18.9% rent ratio reflects D.C. metro premium pricing, ideal for federal workers and those prioritizing urban access over affordability. Weigh Montgomery's 18.9% against cheaper Frederick ($17.0%) or Harford ($16.8%) to decide if proximity value justifies the premium.
Cost of Living Advisory: Montgomery County
Affordability Verdict
Montgomery County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $2,030/month representing approximately 18.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Montgomery County is $2,030/month, while owner costs run $2,329/month. Renting saves approximately $299/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $81,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $99,814/year. With a median household income of $128,733, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Montgomery County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Montgomery County sits 7% more expensive than Charles County ($1,897/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Montgomery County
Rent Burden
18.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$3,004
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.7%
of gross income
The median home in Montgomery County may be a stretch
Median home value is $615,200. Estimated monthly cost: $4,911 vs. your max of $3,004.
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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