Cost of Living in Prince George's County, Maryland
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Prince George's County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Prince George's County ranks #2,987 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 5%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Prince George's County, Maryland
Prince George's rents outpace national norms
Renters here spend 21.0% of their household income on rent, compared to the national average of 20.0%—putting Prince George's slightly above the national comfort zone. With a median household income of $100,708, residents earn 35% more than the U.S. median, yet housing costs remain notably high.
Above average by Maryland standards
Prince George's rent-to-income ratio of 21.0% ranks above Maryland's statewide average of 18.3%, placing the county in the middle-to-upper range of affordability challenges across the state. However, the county's strong median income of $100,708 helps offset these higher rents.
Pricier than southern Maryland peers
Prince George's median rent of $1,761 significantly exceeds neighboring Queen Anne's ($1,611) and St. Mary's County ($1,692), despite similar household incomes. Median home values are also lower here at $404,300 compared to Queen Anne's $441,800, suggesting rental premiums in the county.
Where Prince George's incomes go
With a median rent of $1,761 and median mortgage payment of $2,160, renters dedicate 21.0% of their $100,708 annual income to rent alone. Homeowners carry even heavier burdens, with mortgage payments consuming 25.7% of median household income.
Consider the rent-to-income trade-off
If you're relocating to Prince George's, factor in that rent absorbs roughly one-fifth of a typical household's income—above both state and national averages. The county's strong median income offers flexibility, but comparing to nearby Queen Anne's or St. Mary's could reveal comparable opportunities with lower housing costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Prince George's County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Prince George's County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,761/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Prince George's County pay $1,761/month on average, compared to $2,160/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 18%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $70,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $92,571/year. With a median household income of $100,708, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Prince George's County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Frederick County where rent averages $1,706/month, Prince George's County is approximately 3% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Prince George's County
Rent Burden
21.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,350
per month
Owner Cost Burden
25.7%
of gross income
The median home in Prince George's County may be a stretch
Median home value is $404,300. Estimated monthly cost: $3,228 vs. your max of $2,350.
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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