Rent vs Buy Calculator — Baltimore, MD
Prefilled with Baltimore estimates: a ~$360,000 home (about $72,000 for 20% down) versus ~$1,750/mo rent. Maryland's effective property tax of 1.05% — near the U.S. average (~1.1%) — adds roughly $3,780/yr, and typical homeowners insurance runs about $1,700/yr. Adjust every field to your actual home below.
Is it better to rent or buy in Baltimore?
There's no universal answer — it hinges on how long you'll stay, what you'd earn investing the down payment instead, and Maryland's tax and insurance costs. Property tax is the biggest local lever: at 1.05% on a $360,000 home that's about $3,780 every year, before insurance and maintenance. Use the break-even readout above to see the year buying pulls ahead, and the appreciation rate that flips the decision.
What makes Baltimore, MD different
- Median home price estimate: $360,000
- Typical monthly rent estimate: $1,750
- Maryland effective property tax: 1.05% (~$3,780/yr here)
- Maryland avg. homeowners insurance: $1,700/yr
Starting estimates as of 2026-01 — see the methodology & sources.