RentData

Average Rent in California, MD Rents rising 4.3% YoY🔺 2nd priciest in MD

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

California, MD has rental prices ranging from $1,493/month to $2,818/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,624/month — 16% above the national average of $1,400/month.

How California Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,831/month, California ranks #2 most expensive of the 12 cities tracked in Maryland — pricier than 96% of all US cities in our data.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in California, MD have risen by $76/month (4.3%) over the past year, from $1,755 to $1,831. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in California, MD is $401,539, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 18.3. With a break-even horizon of approximately 18 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$1,493
1 Bedroom
$1,624
2 Bedrooms
$1,831
4.3% YoY
3 Bedrooms
$2,285
4 Bedrooms
$2,818
🔔
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Median Home Value
$401,539
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$2,137/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is California, MD Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$73,240/year
National median income: $75,000 (no local data)
To buy a median home
$85,486/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,831/month and 20% down on a $401,539 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MDlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Baltimore$1,407$1,604$1,965$2,529
Hagerstown$852$947$1,242$1,711
Salisbury$1,129$1,136$1,491$1,969
Cumberland$655$747$933$1,226
Worcester County$1,109$1,150$1,276$1,788
Talbot County$1,210$1,257$1,392$1,951

Rent or Buy in California?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real California data

$
Home Value
$401,539
2BR Rent
$1,831/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$2,137/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,957/movs rent: $1,831/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $401,539 home at 7% rate

20% — $80,308
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$2,137
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$321,231
Total Paid
$769,377
Total Interest
$448,146
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in California

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in California

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in California

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

🗺️All Cities in MD

See how California ranks statewide

⚖️Compare California

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋MD Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections