Rents are 7% below what Chelmsford's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,590 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 →
12-month history
Last updated: August 17, 2026
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How Chelmsford, MA has changed in 5 years
The median rent in Chelmsford, MA stood at $2,135 in 2022 and currently runs about $2,590, reflecting a 21.3% 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.
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Can you afford rent in Chelmsford on your salary?
At $2,590/mo, how Chelmsford rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Chelmsford rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Chelmsford. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Chelmsford
Last updated: August 17, 2026
The median rent in Chelmsford is $2,590/mo as of August 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 43% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Chelmsford ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 1.7% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
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How does Chelmsford rent compare to the national average?
At $2,590/mo, rent takes ~43% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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