Is Baltimore City, MD good for real estate investing?

Baltimore City has an investment score of 69/100, rated as "Buy". The county ranks #169 nationally among 1000 counties analyzed.

What is the rent-to-price ratio in Baltimore City?

The rent-to-price ratio in Baltimore City is 11.62% annually, which ranks in the 99th percentile nationally. Higher ratios indicate better cash flow potential.

What is the median home price in Baltimore City?

The median home price in Baltimore City is $186,140. This ranks #315 in affordability among all US counties.

Can you cash flow on rental properties in Baltimore City?

Based on median values with 20% down at current rates, a typical rental in Baltimore City would generate positive cash flow of $196/month. Individual property performance varies based on purchase price, rent, and operating expenses.

Baltimore City

MarylandPopulation: 584,548

/100

Buy

#169 of 1,000 counties

#3 in Maryland (24 counties)

Analysis by RentalCalcs ResearchIndependent data + algorithm-driven scoring

Updated August 31, 2026Sources: Zillow ZHVI, Zillow ZORI, US Census ACS, Tax Foundation

Market Snapshot

$186,140

Median Home Price

19% below national median

$1,803/mo

Median Rent

24% above national median

11.62%

Rent-to-Price Ratio

Top 1% nationally

+$196

Est. Monthly Cash Flow

With 20% down at 6.9% rate

Scenario comparison

Same $1,803/mo rent assumption, 20% down, 6.85% rate. What changes is the acquisition price.

Scenario	Purchase price	Monthly cash flow	Cap rate	Cash-on-cash
75% of median value-add or distressed	$139,605	+$440/mo	10.1%	+16.4%
Median typical MLS deal	$186,140	+$196/mo	7.6%	+5.5%
125% of median newer / premium	$232,675	-$48/mo	6.0%	-1.1%

Price History

Median Home Price

Median Rent

Historical data from Zillow ZHVI/ZORI

Quick Investment Calculator

Down Payment20%

5%50%100%

Purchase

Purchase Price$186,140

Down Payment (20%)$37,228

Loan Amount$148,912

Interest Rate6.85%

Monthly Cash Flow

Gross Rent+$1,803

Monthly P&I-$976

Est. Expenses (35%)-$631

Net Cash Flow+$196/mo

7.6%

Cap Rate (all cash)

5.5%

Cash-on-Cash Return

11.62%

Rent-to-Price Ratio

* Based on county median values. 35% expenses include taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, and property management. Actual results vary by property.

Run Full Analysis Try House Hack Strategy

Score Breakdown

Overall Investment Score

69/100

Cash Flow(30%)

100/100

Based on 11.62% rent-to-price ratio. Higher ratios indicate stronger cash flow potential.

Appreciation(25%)

35/100

Based on -3.0% YoY price growth. Moderate growth (3-8%) scores highest.

Stability(25%)

50/100

Population data not available.

Affordability(20%)

90/100

Based on price relative to estimated local incomes.

Scores are calculated using real Zillow home value and rent data, Census population data, and economic indicators. The weighted average produces the overall investment score. Markets with missing rent data use estimated values based on regional averages.

Investment Outlook

Strengths

+Above-average rent-to-price ratio (11.62%)
+Positive cash flow potential (+$196/mo)
+Affordable relative to local incomes
+Complete rent data available

Challenges

-Declining home values (-3.0% YoY)

Economic Indicators

Population

584,548

Median Income

—

Data pending

Unemployment Rate

—

Data pending

Price-to-Income

—

Data pending

Who this market fits

Best for

+Cash-flow buyers: the deal pencils at typical financing
+First-time investors looking for lower-risk markets

Skip if

−You expect appreciation to carry the deal, but prices have declined year over year

Compare to Nearby Counties

County					Verdict
AlleganyMD	75	$148,598	$943	7.62%	Strong Buy	View
CurrentBaltimore CityMD	69	$186,140	$1,803	11.62%	Buy
WicomicoMD	65	$268,903	$1,671	7.46%	Buy	View
CalvertMD	65	$471,515	$2,532	6.44%	Buy	View
SomersetMD	64	$200,242	Est. pending	—	Buy	View
DorchesterMD	63	$275,575	Est. pending	—	Buy	View

The Bottom Line

BuyBaltimore City offers solid investment potential with positive cash flow at typical financing.

Baltimore City in Maryland scores 69/100, ranking #169 of 1,000 US counties (top 22%). At 20% down and current rates, a median-priced rental clears about $196/month in cash flow, backed by a 11.62% gross rent-to-price ratio.

Monthly Cash Flow

+$196/mo

Cap Rate

7.6%

Cash-on-Cash

5.5%