City Report · MD

Gaithersburg

Pop. 69,825·39th most expensive in Maryland·Rental market data updated monthly for Gaithersburg, MD
Median rent (all units)
$2,187/mo
Year-over-Year
-3.2%
Month-over-Month
-1.1%
vs US Median
+$222
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Gaithersburg · $2,187
More expensive than 69% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
60/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% below what Gaithersburg's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,187/mo
Expected by trend
$2,299/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Gaithersburg's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,983
1 BR
$2,027
2 BR
$2,283
3 BR
$2,857
4 BR+
$3,367
Research median
$2,283/mo

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

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$26,244/yr
At $2,187/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 3.2% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-3.2% YoY, -1.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Gaithersburg, MD is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income above the national average, 52.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
69,825
Median income
$112,467
Median age
37.8
Renters
49.2%
Age distribution
22.7%
21.8%
30.5%
14.1%
Under 1822.7%
18–3421.8%
35–5430.5%
55–6410.9%
65+14.1%
Gender
48.1%
51.9%
Male48.1%
Female51.9%
Race & ethnicity
32.6%
15%
30.5%
20.4%
White32.6%
Black15%
Hispanic30.5%
Asian20.4%
Other1.4%
Education (25+)
13%
16%
18.5%
52.5%
No HS diploma13%
HS diploma16%
Some college18.5%
Bachelor's+52.5%
Housing tenure
50.8%
49.2%
Owner50.8%
Renter49.2%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Gaithersburg, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,818 → $2,187
up 20.3%
Income
$98,089 → $112,467
up 14.7%
Population
68,827 → 69,825
up 1.5%
Renter share
50.2% → 49.2%
-1.0 pts
Bachelor's+
53.3% → 52.5%
-0.8 pts

Five years ago, renters in Gaithersburg, MD paid around $1,818 a month. That figure now sits near $2,187, up 20.3% from the 2021 baseline. Household income in the area moved from $98,089 to $112,467 across the same window, up 14.7% versus 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Gaithersburg, MD adding about 998 residents over the five-year window, up 1.5% on net. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Gaithersburg, MD look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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View Gaithersburg rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Gaithersburg on your salary?

At $2,187/mo, how Gaithersburg rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Gaithersburg rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Gaithersburg

About renting in Gaithersburg, MD

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Gaithersburg is $2,187/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,983/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,283/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,027/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,857/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($112,467/yr), Gaithersburg ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 3.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Gaithersburg an affordable city for renters?

Gaithersburg is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,187/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($112,467/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Gaithersburg falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Gaithersburg?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $87,000/year (~$42/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,187/mo in Gaithersburg. The local median household income is $112,467/yr, meaning the typical Gaithersburg household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Gaithersburg?

Rent in Gaithersburg has decreased 3.2% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Gaithersburg neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Gaithersburg are 20877 ($2,022/mo), 20879 ($2,221/mo), and 20878 ($2,351/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Gaithersburg is $2,187/mo.

How does Gaithersburg rent compare to other cities in Maryland?

Gaithersburg is middle-of-the-pack for Maryland for rent, ranking #39 out of 95 tracked cities at $2,187/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Gaithersburg?

Germantown is nearby and more affordable at $2,137/mo, which is $50 less than Gaithersburg.

What percentage of Gaithersburg residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.2% of Gaithersburg households are renters, while 50.8% are owner-occupied. Gaithersburg leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Gaithersburg rent compare to the national average?

Gaithersburg's median rent of $2,187/mo is $222 (11%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Maryland, it ranks #39 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
23%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,187/mo, rent takes ~23% of Gaithersburg's median household income ($112,467/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Gaithersburg 23%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Run the Gaithersburg affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Gaithersburg
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Gaithersburg, MD

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