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City Report · MA

Acton

·69th most expensive in Massachusetts·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$2,599/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
+7.2%
vs US Median
+$637
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Acton · $2,599
More expensive than 82% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Affordability
43% of income
STRETCHED
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $2,599/mo, rent takes about 43% of the US median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$104,000/yr
US median income
$72,000/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Acton's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,010
1 BR
$2,140
2 BR
$2,550
3 BR
$3,080
4 BR+
$3,390
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,550/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,599 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$31,188/yr
At $2,599/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 0.0% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, +7.2% MoM), not inventory.
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View Acton rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Acton on your salary?

At $2,599/mo, how Acton rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Acton rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Acton. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Acton

About renting in Acton, MA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Acton is $2,599/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,010/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,550/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,140/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,080/mo.

At 43% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Acton ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Acton an affordable city for renters?

Acton is considered stretched for renters. At $2,599/mo, rent takes approximately 43% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Acton significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Acton?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $104,000/year (~$50/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,599/mo in Acton.

Is rent going up or down in Acton?

Rent in Acton has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of August 2026.

How does Acton rent compare to other cities in Massachusetts?

Acton is middle-of-the-pack for Massachusetts for rent, ranking #69 out of 112 tracked cities at $2,599/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Acton?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Acton ($2,599/mo): Boxboro ($1,938/mo), Maynard ($2,384/mo).

How does Acton rent compare to the national average?

Acton's median rent of $2,599/mo is $637 (32%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #69 out of 112 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
43%
STRETCHED

At $2,599/mo, rent takes ~43% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Acton 43%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
Run the Acton affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Public schools near Acton, MA

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