Fair Market Rent in Howard County, Maryland (2026)
The typical household in Howard County earns $140,971 a year, comfortably above the $74,280 needed to afford a 2-bedroom apartment at the Fair Market Rent under the 30%-of-income rule.
| Unit size | Fair Market Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,362 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,511 |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,857 |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,358 |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,611 |
Can you afford to rent here?
Enter your annual household income. We'll use the standard 30%-of-income rule to show which bedroom sizes fit your budget in Howard County.
HUD Fair Market Rent vs. Census median rent
Census median rent runs at 103.4% of the HUD 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent in Howard County.
Wondering if buying beats renting in Howard County?
Compare the local Fair Market Rent to what a mortgage would actually cost you with an agent who knows this market.
Talk to an agentFAQ
What is Fair Market Rent?
Fair Market Rent (FMR) is HUD's official estimate of the rent, plus utilities, for a standard-quality rental unit in Howard County. HUD recalculates it every year and uses it to set payment standards for housing choice vouchers.
How much income do you need to afford a 2-bedroom in Howard County?
Using the standard rule that rent should not exceed 30% of income, a household needs about $74,280 a year to afford the 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent of $1,857 a month.
How does Fair Market Rent compare to actual median rent?
The Census Bureau's median gross rent for Howard County is $1,920 a month, versus HUD's 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent of $1,857. The two measure different things, so some gap is normal.
Source: HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026); U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (5-year).