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City Report · MA

Malden

Pop. 65,906·48th most expensive in Massachusetts·Malden rents are up 5.1% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,803/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.1%
Month-over-Month
+2.3%
vs US Median
+$838
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Malden · $2,803
More expensive than 87% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
52/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Malden's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$2,803/mo
Expected by trend
$2,836/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Malden's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,290
1 BR
$2,420
2 BR
$2,870
3 BR
$3,460
4 BR+
$3,810
Research median
$2,870/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
$33,636/yr
At $2,803/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 5.1% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.1% YoY, +2.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Malden, MA is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income above the national average, 45.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
65,906
Median income
$100,606
Median age
35.8
Renters
58.7%
Age distribution
18.2%
30.6%
27.5%
13%
Under 1818.2%
18–3430.6%
35–5427.5%
55–6410.7%
65+13%
Gender
50.8%
49.2%
Male50.8%
Female49.2%
Race & ethnicity
40.2%
13.7%
28.1%
White40.2%
Black13.7%
Hispanic9.5%
Asian28.1%
Other8.6%
Education (25+)
14%
22.1%
18.8%
45.1%
No HS diploma14%
HS diploma22.1%
Some college18.8%
Bachelor's+45.1%
Housing tenure
41.3%
58.7%
Owner41.3%
Renter58.7%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Malden, MA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,960 → $2,803
up 43.0%
Income
$77,119 → $100,606
up 30.5%
Population
65,602 → 65,906
up 0.5%
Renter share
58.4% → 58.7%
+0.3 pts
Bachelor's+
43% → 45.1%
+2.1 pts
Median age
34.9 → 35.8
+0.9 yrs

The median rent in Malden, MA stood at $1,960 in 2021 and currently runs about $2,803, reflecting a 43.0% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Malden, MA now reports about $100,606, up from $77,119 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 45.1% of adults here, versus 43% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Malden, MA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Malden on your salary?

At $2,803/mo, how Malden rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Malden rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Malden

About renting in Malden, MA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Malden is $2,803/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,290/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,870/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,420/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,460/mo.

At 33% of local median household income ($100,606/yr), Malden ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Malden an affordable city for renters?

Malden is considered moderate for renters. At $2,803/mo, rent takes approximately 33% of the local median household income ($100,606/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Malden slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Malden?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $112,000/year (~$54/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,803/mo in Malden. The local median household income is $100,606/yr, meaning the typical Malden household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Malden?

Rent in Malden has increased 5.1% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Malden rent compare to other cities in Massachusetts?

Malden is middle-of-the-pack for Massachusetts for rent, ranking #48 out of 107 tracked cities at $2,803/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Malden?

Chelsea is nearby and more affordable at $2,628/mo, which is $175 less than Malden.

What percentage of Malden residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 58.7% of Malden households are renters, while 41.3% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Malden has a strong rental market.

How does Malden rent compare to the national average?

Malden's median rent of $2,803/mo is $838 (43%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #48 out of 107 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
33%
MODERATE

At $2,803/mo, rent takes ~33% of Malden's median household income ($100,606/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Malden 33%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Malden, MA

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