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City Report · MA

Marlborough

Pop. 41,647·65th most expensive in Massachusetts·Marlborough rents are up 5.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,660/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.2%
Month-over-Month
-0.3%
vs US Median
+$698
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Marlborough · $2,660
More expensive than 83% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
60/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% below what Marlborough's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,660/mo
Expected by trend
$2,798/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Marlborough'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
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,550/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,660 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
$31,920/yr
At $2,660/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, -0.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Marlborough, MA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 40.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
41,647
Median income
$91,968
Median age
37.5
Renters
44%
Age distribution
20.8%
24.8%
26.1%
13.5%
14.9%
Under 1820.8%
18–3424.8%
35–5426.1%
55–6413.5%
65+14.9%
Gender
49.1%
50.9%
Male49.1%
Female50.9%
Race & ethnicity
55.8%
18%
17%
White55.8%
Black3.9%
Hispanic18%
Asian5.3%
Other17%
Education (25+)
12.1%
26.3%
21%
40.5%
No HS diploma12.1%
HS diploma26.3%
Some college21%
Bachelor's+40.5%
Housing tenure
56%
44%
Owner56%
Renter44%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Marlborough, MA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,941 → $2,660
up 37.0%
Income
$86,230 → $91,968
up 6.7%
Population
41,505 → 41,647
up 0.3%
Renter share
42.4% → 44%
+1.6 pts
Bachelor's+
40.2% → 40.5%
+0.3 pts
Median age
39.2 → 37.5
-1.7 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Marlborough, MA has increased from $1,941 to $2,660, a 37.0% change over five years. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $86,230 in 2021 to $91,968 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Renters now make up 44% of households, compared with 42.4% five years ago. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Marlborough, MA market of 2021.

Community

Discussions about Marlborough

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

Can you afford rent in Marlborough on your salary?

At $2,660/mo, how Marlborough rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Marlborough rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Marlborough

About renting in Marlborough, MA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Marlborough is $2,660/mo as of August 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 35% of local median household income ($91,968/yr), Marlborough ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Marlborough an affordable city for renters?

Marlborough is considered moderate for renters. At $2,660/mo, rent takes approximately 35% of the local median household income ($91,968/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Marlborough slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Marlborough?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $106,000/year (~$51/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,660/mo in Marlborough. The local median household income is $91,968/yr, meaning the typical Marlborough household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Marlborough?

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

How does Marlborough rent compare to other cities in Massachusetts?

Marlborough is middle-of-the-pack for Massachusetts for rent, ranking #65 out of 112 tracked cities at $2,660/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Marlborough?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Marlborough ($2,660/mo): Framingham ($2,355/mo), Maynard ($2,384/mo), Hudson ($2,497/mo).

What percentage of Marlborough residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 44% of Marlborough households are renters, while 56% are owner-occupied. Marlborough leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Marlborough rent compare to the national average?

Marlborough's median rent of $2,660/mo is $698 (36%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #65 out of 112 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
35%
MODERATE

At $2,660/mo, rent takes ~35% of Marlborough's median household income ($91,968/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Marlborough 35%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
Run the Marlborough affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Marlborough, MA

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