At $2,327/mo, rent takes about 35% of the local median household income, slightly above the 30% benchmark.
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 $2,327 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: October 17, 2026
What the numbers show
Rent in Northampton changed +1.4% over the year to September 2026. Across the 89 Massachusetts cities Zillow tracks, the typical change was +2.8%.
Rent has fallen 2 months in a row, and rose in 7 of the last 12 months.
30% of the median household income ($80,288) is $2,007 a month. That covers HUD's Fair Market Rent for up to a 2-bedroom ($1,910); a 3-bedroom is $2,330.
Holyoke, 8 miles away, rents for 29% less ($1,663/mo), about $8,000 a year in savings.
From Zillow's monthly rent index (ZORI) for Northampton. Income is the Census median household income (5-year estimates). Fair Market Rents are HUD’s, which include utilities.
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Who lives here
Northampton, MA is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 62.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Northampton, MA has changed in 5 years
Household income in the area moved from $72,687 to $80,288 across the same window, up 10.5% versus 2021. Census counts show Northampton, MA adding about 1,583 residents over the five-year window, up 5.4% on net.
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Can you afford rent in Northampton on your salary?
At $2,327/mo, how Northampton rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Northampton rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Northampton. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Northampton
Last updated: October 17, 2026
The median rent in Northampton is $2,327/mo as of October 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,330/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,910/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,540/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,330/mo.
At 35% of local median household income ($80,288/yr), Northampton ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.4% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to rent in Northampton?
Is rent going up or down in Northampton?
How does Northampton rent compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Northampton?
At $2,327/mo, rent takes ~35% of Northampton's median household income ($80,288/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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