Average Rent in Baltimore, MD (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore, MD is $1,596/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 48 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +1.1% year over year. Rents range from $1,450 to $2,130.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$1,596/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 48 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↑ +1.1%
Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore, MD is $1,596/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 48 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 1.1% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore is 33% above the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Baltimore, MD ranges from $1,450 to $2,130 across 48 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Baltimore, MD is approximately 1.1% for 2026. An increase above 1.1% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Baltimore, MD?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore, MD is $1,596/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 48 ZIP codes. Rents range from $1,450 to $2,130 depending on neighborhood — a $680/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $63,840/year.
Is rent going up in Baltimore?
Rents in Baltimore have increased 1.1% year over year based on local market data. This suggests a relatively stable rental market.
What is a fair rent increase in Baltimore?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 1.1% is in line with the Baltimore market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
Rent Trends in Baltimore
+1.1%
Rents in Baltimore are rising at +1.1% year-over-year.
⚠ Mixed signals
Market sources range from -2.8% to +4.1%
Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (+4.1%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (0.0%).Landlords are asking more than renters are paying — this suggests renters may have negotiating leverage in Baltimore right now.
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Baltimore?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in Baltimore typically rents for $1,424 – $1,538.
Rents above $1,769 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Baltimore typically rents for $1,596 – $1,724.
Rents above $1,983 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Baltimore typically rents for $1,957 – $2,114.
Rents above $2,431 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Baltimore typically rents for $2,499 – $2,699.
Rents above $3,104 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Baltimore typically rents for $2,780 – $3,002.
Rents above $3,452 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Baltimore
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$1,424
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$1,596
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$1,957
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$2,499
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$2,780
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Baltimore
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
| Zip Code | 1-BR SAFMR | YoY |
|---|---|---|
| 21409 | $2,130 | -0.5% |
| 21240 | $1,900 | -0.5% |
| 21231 | $1,790 | +3.4% |
| 21202 | $1,780 | +1.0% |
| 21252 | $1,770 | +0.2% |
| 21224 | $1,750 | +1.6% |
| 21230 | $1,750 | -0.5% |
| 21209 | $1,680 | +0.2% |
| 21153 | $1,670 | +0.2% |
| 21285 | $1,650 | +0.2% |
| 21201 | $1,590 | -1.7% |
| 21211 | $1,550 | +5.0% |
| 21286 | $1,550 | +0.2% |
| 21023 | $1,510 | +0.2% |
| 21205 | $1,450 | +15.5% |
| 21206 | $1,450 | +4.7% |
| 21210 | $1,450 | -3.5% |
| 21212 | $1,450 | +9.8% |
| 21213 | $1,450 | +9.4% |
| 21214 | $1,450 | — |
Showing top 20 of 48 zip codes.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific. YoY from Apartment List or Zillow ZORI where available.
How Does Baltimore Compare?
Questions about rent in Baltimore
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore, MD?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Baltimore, MD is $1,596/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 48 ZIP codes in the city. This is 33% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $1,450 to $2,130 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Baltimore?
A rent increase up to about 1.1% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Baltimore. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $1,596/month.
Are rents going up or down in Baltimore?
Rents in Baltimore have increased 1.1% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 48 ZIP codes in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA area.
How much do rents vary across Baltimore?
1-bedroom rents across Baltimore range from $1,450 to $2,130 on this page, a $680/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in Baltimore?
We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Baltimore. Landlords must still follow applicable state and local notice rules before raising rent at lease renewal. Requirements vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute for specifics on notice periods and timing.
How much should I spend on rent in Baltimore?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore at $1,596/month, a household would need approximately $63,840/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
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Renter Tools
Browse Baltimore ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in Maryland →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in Maryland.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →