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City Report · MA

Chelmsford

·60th most expensive in Massachusetts·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$2,680/mo
Year-over-Year
+1.4%
Month-over-Month
+6.0%
vs US Median
+$715
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Chelmsford · $2,680
More expensive than 84% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
57/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 4% below what Chelmsford's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,680/mo
Expected by trend
$2,781/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Chelmsford's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,735
1 BR
$1,890
2 BR
$2,475
3 BR
$2,980
4 BR+
$3,280
Research median
$2,475/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
$32,160/yr
At $2,680/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 1.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+1.4% YoY, +6.0% MoM), not inventory.
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2022 vs 2026

How Chelmsford, MA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,135 → $2,680
up 25.5%

The median rent in Chelmsford, MA stood at $2,135 in 2022 and currently runs about $2,680, reflecting a 25.5% increase over the period. For context, the 2022 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Chelmsford, MA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Chelmsford on your salary?

At $2,680/mo, how Chelmsford rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Chelmsford rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Chelmsford

About renting in Chelmsford, MA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Chelmsford is $2,680/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,735/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,475/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,890/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,980/mo.

At 45% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Chelmsford ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Chelmsford an affordable city for renters?

Chelmsford is considered stretched for renters. At $2,680/mo, rent takes approximately 45% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Chelmsford significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Chelmsford?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $107,000/year (~$51/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,680/mo in Chelmsford.

Is rent going up or down in Chelmsford?

Rent in Chelmsford has increased 1.4% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Chelmsford neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Chelmsford are 01863 ($2,646/mo), and 01824 ($2,737/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Chelmsford is $2,680/mo.

How does Chelmsford rent compare to other cities in Massachusetts?

Chelmsford is middle-of-the-pack for Massachusetts for rent, ranking #60 out of 107 tracked cities at $2,680/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Chelmsford?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Chelmsford ($2,680/mo): Lowell ($2,316/mo), Dracut ($2,328/mo).

How does Chelmsford rent compare to the national average?

Chelmsford's median rent of $2,680/mo is $715 (36%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #60 out of 107 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
45%
STRETCHED

At $2,680/mo, rent takes ~45% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Chelmsford 45%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
Run the Chelmsford affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Chelmsford
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Chelmsford, MA

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