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City Report · MA

Salem

Pop. 44,795·60th most expensive in Massachusetts·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$2,730/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.7%
Month-over-Month
-0.4%
vs US Median
+$768
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Salem · $2,730
More expensive than 85% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
58/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 4% below what Salem's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,730/mo
Expected by trend
$2,845/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Salem'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 $2,730 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
$32,760/yr
At $2,730/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (4.7% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+4.7% YoY, -0.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Salem, MA is roughly split between renters and owners, 47.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
44,795
Median income
$85,153
Median age
39.3
Renters
50.3%
Age distribution
15.7%
27.8%
25.6%
13.6%
17.2%
Under 1815.7%
18–3427.8%
35–5425.6%
55–6413.6%
65+17.2%
Gender
45.5%
54.5%
Male45.5%
Female54.5%
Race & ethnicity
72.8%
20.7%
White72.8%
Black4.9%
Hispanic20.7%
Asian3.4%
Education (25+)
21.8%
22.3%
47.8%
No HS diploma8.1%
HS diploma21.8%
Some college22.3%
Bachelor's+47.8%
Housing tenure
49.7%
50.3%
Owner49.7%
Renter50.3%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Salem, MA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,977 → $2,730
up 38.1%
Income
$72,884 → $85,153
up 16.8%
Population
44,452 → 44,795
up 0.8%
Renter share
48.4% → 50.3%
+1.9 pts
Bachelor's+
48.5% → 47.8%
-0.7 pts
Median age
37.6 → 39.3
+1.7 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Salem, MA has increased from $1,977 to $2,730, a 38.1% change over five years. Census figures show median household income at $85,153 today, compared with $72,884 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Renters now make up 50.3% of households, compared with 48.4% five years ago. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about Salem

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

Can you afford rent in Salem on your salary?

At $2,730/mo, how Salem rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Salem rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Salem

About renting in Salem, MA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Salem is $2,730/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 38% of local median household income ($85,153/yr), Salem ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Salem an affordable city for renters?

Salem is considered moderate for renters. At $2,730/mo, rent takes approximately 38% of the local median household income ($85,153/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Salem slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Salem?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $109,000/year (~$52/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,730/mo in Salem. The local median household income is $85,153/yr, meaning the typical Salem household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Salem?

Rent in Salem has increased 4.7% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Salem rent compare to other cities in Massachusetts?

Salem is middle-of-the-pack for Massachusetts for rent, ranking #60 out of 112 tracked cities at $2,730/mo.

What percentage of Salem residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 50.3% of Salem households are renters, while 49.7% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Salem has a strong rental market.

How does Salem rent compare to the national average?

Salem's median rent of $2,730/mo is $768 (39%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #60 out of 112 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
38%
MODERATE

At $2,730/mo, rent takes ~38% of Salem's median household income ($85,153/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Salem 38%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
Run the Salem affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Salem, MA

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