Despite growing attention to housing affordability, Maryland remains one of the most challenging states for low-income renters. According to the 2025 Out of Reach report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a minimum-wage worker in Maryland would need to work 89 hours a week to afford a one-bedroom apartment without sacrificing other basic needs.
The report ranks Maryland as the 8th most unaffordable state for renters, with the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment rising to $2,036 per month. To afford that, a household must earn over $81,000 annually—far above the average renter’s wage of $22.31/hour.
This affordability gap hits hardest for essential workers like nursing assistants, cashiers, and truck drivers, whose wages fall well below the “housing wage.” Rising costs for insurance, utilities, and inflation compound the problem, leaving many Marylanders in precarious housing situations.
Maryland must act now to ensure all types of housing are within reach for all Maryland residents.
Read more about the findings at Maryland Matters: Maryland continues to pose affordability challenges for low-income renters, report finds – Maryland Matters or view the full Out of Reach Report findings for Maryland.