Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Kensington, MD?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 59.8% of gross income.
Kensington rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maryland state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Maryland cities have lower median rent than Kensington, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Kensington
View full rent data for Kensington, MD →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Kensington, MD?
Median rent in Kensington is $3,382 a month. A typical firefighter in Maryland earns about $67,835 a year, which makes that rent 59.8% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Kensington?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Maryland (~$67,835/yr) supports up to $1,696 a month in rent. Kensington's current median rent is $3,382/mo, which is $1,686/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Kensington?
At an hourly equivalent of about $33 an hour, a firefighter in Maryland works roughly 103.7 hours a month to cover Kensington's median rent of $3,382.
Where is rent cheaper than Kensington for a firefighter?
Nearby Maryland cities with lower median rent include Clinton ($3,242/mo), North Potomac ($3,165/mo), North Potomac ($3,094/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.