Baltimore lives up to its name as “Charm City” as it entices renters from all over with its abundance of art, culture, and history. The unique atmosphere of the city inspires fierce loyalty and adoration in its residents.
Whether you’re considering Baltimore for its waterfront charm, historic rentals, or access to major employers and universities, choosing the right neighborhood can make all the difference in your renting experience. We reviewed several factors to highlight the best places to rent in Baltimore, including availability, average rent, and access to key locations and amenities.
The five best neighborhoods in Baltimore for renters are:
Mount Vernon
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore: $1,479/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Mount Vernon: $1,332/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Mount Vernon: 602 square feet
Why Mount Vernon is good for renters
Built around the Washington Monument, Mount Vernon is centrally located as it’s just north of Downtown Baltimore. Every street is lined with cultural institutions, historic architecture, and good transit access. It offers walkability, a lively atmosphere with restaurants and nightlife, and the kind of “city-in-a-city” vibe many renters like. In recent years, it has become a hotspot for creative minds. With many remnants of Old Baltimore, there’s plenty of charming rentals to choose from.
Keep in mind
Due to the neighborhood’s popularity, central location, and proximity to Downtown Baltimore, you may face competition for rentals, higher rents, and less square footage.
Midtown Baltimore
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore: $1,479/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Midtown Baltimore: $1,469/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Midtown Baltimore: 680 square feet
Why Midtown Baltimore is good for renters
Midtown Baltimore has city conveniences right next to rentals. Residents can easily walk to destinations, whether that be work, a transit station, or nightlife hotspot. The arts, culture, and dining scene blend with the historic architecture and monuments into a vibe that you can only find in Midtown Baltimore.
Keep in mind
With the compact nature of the buildings and proximity to major highways and public transportation, the neighborhood is always bustling. Quiet areas and green spaces can be hard to find.
Bolton Hill
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore: $1,479/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Bolton Hill: $1,420/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Bolton Hill: 634 square feet
Why Bolton Hill is good for renters
Bolton Hill's artistic legacy and historic beauty make it one of Baltimore’s most distinctive rental neighborhoods. Known for its stunning Victorian-era rowhouses, many of which bear plaques honoring past residents, this neighborhood feels like a living museum. Tree-lined streets, pocket parks, and thoughtfully preserved green spaces soften the hard lines of the city.
Keep in mind
Rents are somewhat higher here compared to some other neighborhoods in the city, reflecting the desirable location and housing stock. Historic homes can mean limited modern amenities in some rentals. Be prepared for some trade-offs in exchange for charm and character.
Charles Village
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore: $1,479/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Charles Village: $1,314/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Charles Village: 574 square feet
Why Charles Village is good for renters
Charles Village has a deep-rooted appreciation for the arts and education as it’s home to the Baltimore Museum of Art and John Hopkins University. This neighborhood draws people of all walks of life, from educators to artists, who create a diverse community. Walkable streets are lined with parks, eateries, shops, and music venues that make it easy to enjoy life without leaving the area.
Keep in mind
The neighborhood can get busy and chaotic during the academic year, especially near campus hubs and nightlife spots.
Highlandtown
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore: $1,479/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Highlandtown: $1,589/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Highlandtown: 607 square feet
Why Highlandtown is good for renters
Highlandtown is one of East Baltimore’s most culturally rich and colorful neighborhoods. A blend of cultures has shaped its identity, resulting in a melting pot of cuisines, traditions, and festivals. The area’s creative spirit is front and center, as shown by painted window screens, street murals, and many galleries. All of this is packed within the orbit of Patterson Park, one of the most beloved green spaces in Baltimore.
Keep in mind
As an evolving neighborhood, parts of Highlandtown are going through a lot of change.
Ready to Make the Move?
If Baltimore has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customizable search engine and filters to narrow by price, amenities, and floor plan.
Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
Apartment rent data provided by CoStar Group’s December 2025 reports.
FAQs
Is Baltimore a good place to live?
Yes, Baltimore can be a good choice for renters who want a city with rich history, cultural depth, and neighborhood variety. It offers a mix of urban amenities, distinct neighborhoods, and more affordable rents compared to many major U.S. metros.
Is Baltimore an expensive place to live?
Compared to national averages, Baltimore’s cost of living and rents are somewhat lower. For example, the citywide average one-bedroom rent is $1,479/month, which is about nine percent lower than the U.S. average of $1,631/month. However, within Baltimore certain popular neighborhoods do command higher rents, so the affordability can vary quite a bit by location.
What’s the average rent in Baltimore?
The average rent in Baltimore is $1,479/month for a one-bedroom apartment, as of December 2025. With such an affordable average rent, you can get plenty of space for under $2,000 as a three-bedroom runs around $1,871/month.
