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City Report · MA

Arlington

Pop. 46,350·24th most expensive in Massachusetts·Arlington rents are up 13.8% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$3,043/mo
Year-over-Year
+13.8%
Month-over-Month
+1.1%
vs US Median
+$1,078
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Arlington · $3,043
More expensive than 91% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
46/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 2% above what Arlington's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$3,043/mo
Expected by trend
$2,978/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Arlington's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,200
1 BR
$2,325
2 BR
$2,755
3 BR
$3,320
4 BR+
$3,650
Research median
$2,755/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$36,516/yr
At $3,043/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 13.8% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+13.8% YoY, +1.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Arlington, MA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 76.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
46,350
Median income
$150,701
Median age
41.6
Renters
38.4%
Age distribution
20.5%
19.5%
30.7%
17.3%
Under 1820.5%
18–3419.5%
35–5430.7%
55–6412%
65+17.3%
Gender
47.4%
52.6%
Male47.4%
Female52.6%
Race & ethnicity
74.3%
13%
White74.3%
Black2%
Hispanic4.9%
Asian13%
Other5.8%
Education (25+)
12.3%
76.1%
No HS diploma2%
HS diploma9.6%
Some college12.3%
Bachelor's+76.1%
Housing tenure
61.6%
38.4%
Owner61.6%
Renter38.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Arlington, MA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,088 → $3,043
up 45.7%
Income
$125,701 → $150,701
up 19.9%
Population
46,045 → 46,350
up 0.7%
Renter share
40.4% → 38.4%
-2.0 pts
Bachelor's+
74.2% → 76.1%
+1.9 pts
Median age
39.7 → 41.6
+1.9 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Arlington, MA has climbed from $2,088 to $3,043, a 45.7% change over five years. Census figures show median household income at $150,701 today, compared with $125,701 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Renters now make up 38.4% of households, compared with 40.4% five years ago. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about Arlington

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View Arlington rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Arlington on your salary?

At $3,043/mo, how Arlington rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Arlington rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Arlington

About renting in Arlington, MA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Arlington is $3,043/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,200/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,755/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,325/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,320/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($150,701/yr), Arlington ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 13.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Arlington an affordable city for renters?

Arlington is considered very affordable for renters. At $3,043/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($150,701/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Arlington falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Arlington?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $122,000/year (~$59/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,043/mo in Arlington. The local median household income is $150,701/yr, meaning the typical Arlington household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Arlington?

Rent in Arlington has increased 13.8% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Arlington neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Arlington are 02476 ($3,010/mo), and 02474 ($3,106/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Arlington is $3,043/mo.

How does Arlington rent compare to other cities in Massachusetts?

Arlington is one of the pricier cities in Massachusetts for rent, ranking #24 out of 107 tracked cities at $3,043/mo.

What percentage of Arlington residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 38.4% of Arlington households are renters, while 61.6% are owner-occupied. Arlington leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Arlington rent compare to the national average?

Arlington's median rent of $3,043/mo is $1,078 (55%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #24 out of 107 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $3,043/mo, rent takes ~24% of Arlington's median household income ($150,701/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Arlington 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
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Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Arlington
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Arlington, MA

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