Rent Affordability for Massachusetts (2026)
Massachusetts (MA) Key Facts
Average 1 B R Rent
$2,100
Median Monthly Income
$7,417
Recommended Max Rent (30% Rule)
$2,225
Affordability Gap
Affordable
Rent to Income Ratio
28.3%
How This Calculator Works in Massachusetts
This rent affordability calculator helps you determine how much rent you can reasonably afford in Massachusetts based on your income and the 30% rule. Enter your monthly income and desired rent to see whether your housing costs are within a healthy range. The calculator also shows how your situation compares to the Massachusetts average.
Massachusetts Overview
With a median household income of $89,000, Massachusetts residents can afford roughly $2,225/month in rent under the 30% guideline. Average 1-bedroom rent is about $2,100/month. State income taxes in Massachusetts reduce your take-home pay, so base your rent budget on net income rather than gross for a more realistic picture.
How Massachusetts Compares
Massachusetts's rent-to-income ratio of 28.3% is within the recommended 30% range. In neighboring Connecticut, the ratio is 19.5%. Nationally, about half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, highlighting the widespread challenge of rental affordability.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $1,350 | Average 1BR rent is $1,350 with median monthly income of $6,917. The 30% rule allows $2,075 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Rhode Island | $1,400 | Average 1BR rent is $1,400 with median monthly income of $6,000. The 30% rule allows $1,800 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| New Hampshire | $1,400 | Average 1BR rent is $1,400 with median monthly income of $6,917. The 30% rule allows $2,075 for rent, which covers average rent. |
In Massachusetts, the median household earns $89,000 annually ($7,417 per month). Using the 30% rule, the recommended maximum rent is $2,225 per month. With average 1BR rents at $2,100, rents are within the recommended affordability range. Nationally, about half of renters are considered cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of income on housing).
Tips for Massachusetts Residents
- 1The 30% rule suggests spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. In Massachusetts, with a median household income of $89,000, the maximum recommended rent is about $2,225/month.
- 2Average 1-bedroom rent in Massachusetts is roughly $2,100/month. This is within or near the 30% guideline for the median household, indicating reasonable affordability at the state level.
- 3State income taxes in Massachusetts reduce your take-home pay, so base your rent budget on net income rather than gross for a more realistic picture.
- 4Beyond rent, budget for utilities ($100-$300/month), renters insurance ($15-$30/month), and any parking or pet fees. These can add 10-20% on top of your base rent in Massachusetts.
- 5If you are spending more than 30% of income on rent in Massachusetts, look into housing assistance programs such as Section 8 vouchers, state-funded rental assistance, or employer housing benefits.