Cost of Living in Montgomery County, Maryland

$2,030/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$615,200

Median Home Value

43% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$2,030/mo

43% above state average

Median Home Value

$615,200

118% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

30.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Montgomery County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Montgomery County$2,030/mo

Maryland Average$1,415/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$2,030/mo

Median Gross Rent

$615,200

Median Home Value

$2,329/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

30.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Montgomery County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio18.9%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Montgomery County, Maryland?

Montgomery County, Maryland has a median monthly rent of $2,030/mo and a median home value of $615,200. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 30.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Montgomery County?

The median gross rent in Montgomery County is $2,030/mo. This is 43% above state average for Maryland.

Is Montgomery County affordable?

Montgomery County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 30.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Montgomery County's rent compare to the state average?

Montgomery County's median rent of $2,030/mo is 43% above state average of $1,415/mo for Maryland.

What is the median home value in Montgomery County?

The median home value in Montgomery County, Maryland is $615,200. This is 118% above the national median home value of $281,900.