RentDataNowRentDataNow
City Report · MD

Bel Air

Pop. 10,585·49th most expensive in Maryland·Rental market data updated monthly for Bel Air, MD
Median rent (all units)
$1,999/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.5%
Month-over-Month
-0.7%
vs US Median
+$34
Falling (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss Bel Air rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
Bel Air · $1,999
More expensive than 59% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
57/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 4% below what Bel Air's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,999/mo
Expected by trend
$2,072/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Bel Air's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,430
1 BR
$1,630
2 BR
$1,995
3 BR
$2,570
4 BR+
$2,870
Research median
$1,995/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$23,988/yr
At $1,999/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.5% YoY, -0.7% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Bel Air, MD is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 43% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
10,585
Median income
$74,605
Median age
42.6
Renters
40.8%
Age distribution
15.8%
22.2%
26.3%
13.8%
21.8%
Under 1815.8%
18–3422.2%
35–5426.3%
55–6413.8%
65+21.8%
Gender
48.4%
51.6%
Male48.4%
Female51.6%
Race & ethnicity
78.9%
White78.9%
Black4.3%
Hispanic9.9%
Asian4.8%
Other2%
Education (25+)
25.9%
23.7%
43%
No HS diploma7.4%
HS diploma25.9%
Some college23.7%
Bachelor's+43%
Housing tenure
59.2%
40.8%
Owner59.2%
Renter40.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Bel Air, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,541 → $1,999
up 29.7%
Income
$64,036 → $74,605
up 16.5%
Population
10,663 → 10,585
down 0.7%
Renter share
39.5% → 40.8%
+1.3 pts
Bachelor's+
37.3% → 43%
+5.7 pts

Five years ago, renters in Bel Air, MD paid around $1,541 a month. That figure now sits near $1,999, up 29.7% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in Bel Air, MD now reports about $74,605, up from $64,036 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 37.3% to 43% across the same window. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Bel Air, MD reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Bel Air

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View Bel Air rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Bel Air on your salary?

At $1,999/mo, how Bel Air rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Bel Air rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Bel Air. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Bel Air

About renting in Bel Air, MD

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Bel Air is $1,999/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,430/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,995/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,630/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,570/mo.

At 32% of local median household income ($74,605/yr), Bel Air ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Bel Air an affordable city for renters?

Bel Air is considered moderate for renters. At $1,999/mo, rent takes approximately 32% of the local median household income ($74,605/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Bel Air slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Bel Air?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $80,000/year (~$38/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,999/mo in Bel Air. The local median household income is $74,605/yr, meaning the typical Bel Air household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Bel Air?

Rent in Bel Air has increased 2.5% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Bel Air neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Bel Air are 21014 ($1,879/mo), and 21015 ($2,088/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Bel Air is $1,999/mo.

How does Bel Air rent compare to other cities in Maryland?

Bel Air is middle-of-the-pack for Maryland for rent, ranking #49 out of 95 tracked cities at $1,999/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Bel Air?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Bel Air ($1,999/mo): Edgewood ($1,772/mo), Belcamp ($1,790/mo), Havre de Grace ($1,818/mo).

What percentage of Bel Air residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 40.8% of Bel Air households are renters, while 59.2% are owner-occupied. Bel Air leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Bel Air rent compare to the national average?

Bel Air's median rent of $1,999/mo is $34 (2%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Maryland, it ranks #49 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
32%
MODERATE

At $1,999/mo, rent takes ~32% of Bel Air's median household income ($74,605/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Bel Air 32%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Run the Bel Air affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Bel Air
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Bel Air, MD

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for Bel Air.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.