City Report · MA

Bridgewater

Pop. 28,471·31st most expensive in Massachusetts·Bridgewater rents are up 14.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,978/mo
Year-over-Year
+14.2%
Month-over-Month
+2.3%
vs US Median
+$1,013
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Bridgewater · $2,978
More expensive than 90% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
30/100
Overpriced
OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent
$2,978/mo
Expected by trend
$2,711/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Bridgewater's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,880
1 BR
$1,930
2 BR
$2,520
3 BR
$3,190
4 BR+
$3,450
Research median
$2,520/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
$35,736/yr
At $2,978/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 14.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+14.2% YoY, +2.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Bridgewater, MA is majority owner-occupied, 39.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
28,471
Median age
37.6
Renters
24.4%
Age distribution
17.6%
29.3%
24.4%
17.3%
Under 1817.6%
18–3429.3%
35–5424.4%
55–6411.3%
65+17.3%
Gender
51.6%
48.4%
Male51.6%
Female48.4%
Race & ethnicity
79.2%
White79.2%
Black8%
Hispanic5.3%
Asian3.1%
Other4.4%
Education (25+)
30%
23.6%
39.5%
No HS diploma6.9%
HS diploma30%
Some college23.6%
Bachelor's+39.5%
Housing tenure
75.6%
24.4%
Owner75.6%
Renter24.4%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Bridgewater, MA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,476 → $2,978
up 20.3%
Population
27,436 → 28,471
up 3.8%
Renter share
28.4% → 24.4%
-4.0 pts
Bachelor's+
35.8% → 39.5%
+3.7 pts
Median age
34.5 → 37.6
+3.1 yrs

Since 2023, the typical rent in Bridgewater, MA has increased from $2,476 to $2,978, a 20.3% change over five years. The population has grown by 3.8% since 2019, moving from about 27,436 residents to roughly 28,471. Renters now make up 24.4% of households, compared with 28.4% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 39.5% of adults here, versus 35.8% in 2019. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Bridgewater, MA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Bridgewater on your salary?

At $2,978/mo, how Bridgewater rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Bridgewater rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Bridgewater

About renting in Bridgewater, MA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Bridgewater is $2,978/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,880/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,520/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,930/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,190/mo.

At 50% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Bridgewater ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 14.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Bridgewater an affordable city for renters?

Bridgewater is considered stretched for renters. At $2,978/mo, rent takes approximately 50% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Bridgewater significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Bridgewater?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $119,000/year (~$57/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,978/mo in Bridgewater.

Is rent going up or down in Bridgewater?

Rent in Bridgewater has increased 14.2% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Bridgewater rent compare to other cities in Massachusetts?

Bridgewater is one of the pricier cities in Massachusetts for rent, ranking #31 out of 107 tracked cities at $2,978/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Bridgewater?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Bridgewater ($2,978/mo): Taunton ($2,124/mo), Brockton ($2,406/mo), Stoughton ($2,490/mo).

What percentage of Bridgewater residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 24.4% of Bridgewater households are renters, while 75.6% are owner-occupied. Bridgewater leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Bridgewater rent compare to the national average?

Bridgewater's median rent of $2,978/mo is $1,013 (52%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #31 out of 107 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
50%
STRETCHED

At $2,978/mo, rent takes ~50% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Bridgewater 50%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
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Neighborhoods

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Public schools near Bridgewater, MA

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