Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Gaithersburg, MD?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 39.9% of gross income.
Gaithersburg rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maryland state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Maryland cities have lower median rent than Gaithersburg, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Gaithersburg
View full rent data for Gaithersburg, MD →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Gaithersburg, MD?
Median rent in Gaithersburg is $2,187 a month. A typical carpenter in Maryland earns about $65,815 a year, which makes that rent 39.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Gaithersburg?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Maryland (~$65,815/yr) supports up to $1,645 a month in rent. Gaithersburg's current median rent is $2,187/mo, which is $542/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Gaithersburg?
At an hourly equivalent of about $32 an hour, a carpenter in Maryland works roughly 69.1 hours a month to cover Gaithersburg's median rent of $2,187.
Where is rent cheaper than Gaithersburg for a carpenter?
Nearby Maryland cities with lower median rent include Annapolis ($2,186/mo), Lake Arbor ($2,184/mo), Easton ($2,182/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.