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City Report · MA

Chelsea

Pop. 39,908·64th most expensive in Massachusetts·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$2,628/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.9%
Month-over-Month
+0.7%
vs US Median
+$663
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Chelsea · $2,628
More expensive than 83% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
65/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 8% below what Chelsea's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,628/mo
Expected by trend
$2,844/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Chelsea's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,000
1 BR
$2,140
2 BR
$2,550
3 BR
$3,080
4 BR+
$3,390
Research median
$2,550/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
$31,536/yr
At $2,628/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 4.9% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+4.9% YoY, +0.7% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Chelsea, MA is majority renter-occupied, 22.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
39,908
Median income
$72,179
Median age
34.4
Renters
74%
Age distribution
24.4%
26.7%
28%
Under 1824.4%
18–3426.7%
35–5428%
55–6410.5%
65+10.5%
Gender
50.4%
49.6%
Male50.4%
Female49.6%
Race & ethnicity
21.7%
67.3%
White21.7%
Black8.2%
Hispanic67.3%
Asian2.1%
Other0.7%
Education (25+)
29.7%
31.8%
16.3%
22.2%
No HS diploma29.7%
HS diploma31.8%
Some college16.3%
Bachelor's+22.2%
Housing tenure
26%
74%
Owner26%
Renter74%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Chelsea, MA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,822 → $2,628
up 44.2%
Income
$64,782 → $72,179
up 11.4%
Population
40,025 → 39,908
down 0.3%
Renter share
71.8% → 74%
+2.2 pts
Bachelor's+
20.8% → 22.2%
+1.4 pts
Median age
33.6 → 34.4
+0.8 yrs

Rent in Chelsea, MA has increased 44.2% since 2021, going from about $1,822 per month to roughly $2,628 today. On the earnings side, the typical household in Chelsea, MA now reports about $72,179, up from $64,782 in 2021. Rent outpaced income growth by roughly 32.8 percentage points, which means renters are spending a larger slice of each paycheck on housing than they did in 2021. About 74% of households rent today, against 71.8% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Chelsea, MA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Chelsea on your salary?

At $2,628/mo, how Chelsea rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Chelsea rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Chelsea

About renting in Chelsea, MA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Chelsea is $2,628/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,000/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 44% of local median household income ($72,179/yr), Chelsea ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Chelsea an affordable city for renters?

Chelsea is considered stretched for renters. At $2,628/mo, rent takes approximately 44% of the local median household income ($72,179/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Chelsea significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Chelsea?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $105,000/year (~$50/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,628/mo in Chelsea. The local median household income is $72,179/yr, meaning the typical Chelsea household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Chelsea?

Rent in Chelsea has increased 4.9% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Chelsea rent compare to other cities in Massachusetts?

Chelsea is middle-of-the-pack for Massachusetts for rent, ranking #64 out of 107 tracked cities at $2,628/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Chelsea?

Winthrop is nearby and more affordable at $2,563/mo, which is $65 less than Chelsea.

What percentage of Chelsea residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 74% of Chelsea households are renters, while 26% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Chelsea has a strong rental market.

How does Chelsea rent compare to the national average?

Chelsea's median rent of $2,628/mo is $663 (34%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #64 out of 107 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
44%
STRETCHED

At $2,628/mo, rent takes ~44% of Chelsea's median household income ($72,179/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Chelsea 44%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
Run the Chelsea affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Chelsea, MA

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