Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,857$22,284 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Baltimore city, MD
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Baltimore city, MD
Calculations assume standard housing affordability guidelines where shelter costs consume no more than 30% of gross income, based on full-time employment of 2,080 annual working hours.
| Bedroom Type | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | Min. Annual Income | Hourly Wage (40h/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,362 | $16,344 | $54,480 | $26.19/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,511 | $18,132 | $60,440 | $29.06/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,857 | $22,284 | $74,280 | $35.71/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,358 | $28,296 | $94,320 | $45.35/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,611 | $31,332 | $104,440 | $50.21/hr |
See comprehensive cost of living profile for Baltimore city, MD →
Explore Related Regional Profiles
Connect housing costs with earnings, taxes, and price levels across Maryland:
Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Baltimore city, MD
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Baltimore city, MD?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Baltimore city, MD is $1,857 per month ($22,284 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Baltimore city, MD?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,857/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $35.71 per hour ($74,280/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Baltimore city, MD?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Baltimore city, MD are: Studio: $1,362/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,511/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,857/mo, 3-Bedroom: $2,358/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $2,611/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Baltimore city, MD?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $62,177/year ($5,181/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 35.8% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Baltimore city, MD?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,857/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,857 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $74,280 per year.