Maryland Housing Affordability
What it takes to afford a home in Maryland, using Zillow Research home values and Census income data. Maryland ranks 20 of 51 states for estimated median-home affordability, with typical values about 23% above the cross-state median.
Maryland affordability summary
At a typical home value of $434,033 against Census ACS median household income of $101,652, Maryland scores 27/100 (stretched) for estimated buying affordability. A starter home runs about $265,716 (income needed ~$85,971); a 3-bedroom family home about $396,349 (income needed ~$128,229).
Sources — Home values & rent: Zillow Research, 2026-05 · Income: U.S. Census ACS. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Affordability by home type in Maryland
How the same income picture shifts across Zillow price tiers:
| Home type | Est. value | Est. payment | Income needed | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter (bottom tier) | $265,716 | $2,006 | $85,971 | 65 |
| Median (mid tier) | $434,033 | $3,277 | $140,443 | 27 |
| Family home (3BR) | $396,349 | $2,992 | $128,229 | 33 |
Cities in Maryland
Major Maryland cities ranked by estimated buying-affordability score, using Zillow city home values and Census city income.
| # | City | Home value | Est. payment | Income needed | Rent burden | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baltimore · MD | $191,986 | $1,449 | $62,100 | 36% | 47 |
| 2 | Frederick · MD | $468,259 | $3,535 | $151,500 | 27% | 19 |
| 3 | Gaithersburg · MD | $528,568 | $3,990 | $171,000 | 25% | 19 |
| 4 | Rockville · MD | $622,891 | $4,702 | $201,514 | 24% | 17 |
| 5 | Hagerstown · MD | $304,072 | $2,295 | $98,357 | 34% | 9 |
What different incomes can afford in Maryland
Estimated largest home price affordable at each income (10% down, 6.70% rate), compared with the $434,033 typical home:
| Household income | Est. max home price | Typical home in reach? |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $154,542 | Stretch |
| $75,000 | $231,814 | Stretch |
| $100,000 | $309,085 | Stretch |
| $150,000 | $463,627 | Likely |
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Nearby & related states
Frequently asked questions
What income do you need to buy a home in Maryland?
With a typical (mid-tier) Maryland home around $434,033, the estimated payment is about $3,277/month, which generally calls for a household income near $140,443 (keeping housing close to 28% of gross income). A starter home (~$265,716) lowers that to roughly $85,971. Your real figure depends on down payment, rate, and local taxes — model it on Home Payment Atlas.
Is Maryland affordable compared with other states?
Maryland ranks 20 of 51 for estimated median-home buying affordability (score 27/100, stretched), with home values about 23% above the cross-state median. Compare it on the most affordable states ranking.
Where do these Maryland numbers come from?
Home values are Zillow Research ZHVI (2026-05); rent is the Zillow ZORI index; income is U.S. Census ACS median household income. They are estimates for comparison, not appraisals. Customize the mortgage math on the Maryland page on Home Payment Atlas.
About these estimates & data sources
Home values and rents reflect Zillow Research data (ZHVI and ZORI, 2026-05). Household income reflects U.S. Census ACS data. All figures are estimates for general comparison, not appraisals or quotes — confirm details before relying on them.
Home values and rent: Zillow Research (ZHVI, ZORI), 2026-05. Geography and FIPS codes: U.S. Census Bureau (Cartographic Boundary Files). Household income: U.S. Census ACS. Detailed payment math: Home Payment Atlas. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Figures are educational estimates only and are not financial, legal, tax, mortgage, or real-estate advice, and not a loan offer. Verify every number with lenders, agents, tax authorities, and official sources. See our methodology and terms & disclaimer.