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City Report · MA

Fitchburg

Pop. 41,798·108th most expensive in Massachusetts·Fitchburg rents are up 5.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,784/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.2%
Month-over-Month
-0.8%
vs US Median
-$178
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Fitchburg · $1,784
More affordable than 55% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
57/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% below what Fitchburg's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,784/mo
Expected by trend
$1,848/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Fitchburg's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,080
1 BR
$1,260
2 BR
$1,570
3 BR
$2,050
4 BR+
$2,340
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,570/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,784 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 →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$21,408/yr
At $1,784/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (5.2% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.2% YoY, -0.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Fitchburg, MA is roughly split between renters and owners, 25.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
41,798
Median income
$73,040
Median age
36.3
Renters
45.9%
Age distribution
20.6%
27.9%
24.8%
12.4%
14.3%
Under 1820.6%
18–3427.9%
35–5424.8%
55–6412.4%
65+14.3%
Gender
45.8%
54.2%
Male45.8%
Female54.2%
Race & ethnicity
56.5%
33.5%
White56.5%
Black7.5%
Hispanic33.5%
Asian2.3%
Education (25+)
13.3%
32.9%
28.8%
25.1%
No HS diploma13.3%
HS diploma32.9%
Some college28.8%
Bachelor's+25.1%
Housing tenure
54.1%
45.9%
Owner54.1%
Renter45.9%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Fitchburg, MA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,553 → $1,784
up 14.9%
Income
$60,466 → $73,040
up 20.8%
Population
41,796 → 41,798
up 0.0%
Renter share
43.9% → 45.9%
+2.0 pts
Bachelor's+
23.7% → 25.1%
+1.4 pts
Median age
37.1 → 36.3
-0.8 yrs

Since 2023, the typical rent in Fitchburg, MA has increased from $1,553 to $1,784, a 14.9% change over five years. Census figures show median household income at $73,040 today, compared with $60,466 five years earlier. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. Renters now make up 45.9% of households, compared with 43.9% five years ago. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2023.

Community

Discussions about Fitchburg

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

Can you afford rent in Fitchburg on your salary?

At $1,784/mo, how Fitchburg rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Fitchburg rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Fitchburg

About renting in Fitchburg, MA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Fitchburg is $1,784/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,080/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,570/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,260/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,050/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($73,040/yr), Fitchburg ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Fitchburg an affordable city for renters?

Fitchburg is considered affordable for renters. At $1,784/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($73,040/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Fitchburg falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Fitchburg?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $71,000/year (~$34/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,784/mo in Fitchburg. The local median household income is $73,040/yr, meaning the typical Fitchburg household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Fitchburg?

Rent in Fitchburg has increased 5.2% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Fitchburg rent compare to other cities in Massachusetts?

Fitchburg is one of the more affordable cities in Massachusetts for rent, ranking #108 out of 112 tracked cities at $1,784/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Fitchburg?

Gardner is nearby and more affordable at $1,565/mo, which is $219 less than Fitchburg.

What percentage of Fitchburg residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 45.9% of Fitchburg households are renters, while 54.1% are owner-occupied. Fitchburg leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Fitchburg rent compare to the national average?

Fitchburg's median rent of $1,784/mo is $178 (9%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #108 out of 112 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
29%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,784/mo, rent takes ~29% of Fitchburg's median household income ($73,040/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Fitchburg 29%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
Run the Fitchburg affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Fitchburg, MA

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