City Report · MA

Stoneham

Pop. 23,355·22nd most expensive in Massachusetts·Stoneham rents are up 6.6% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$3,086/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.6%
Month-over-Month
-0.2%
vs US Median
+$1,121
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Stoneham · $3,086
More expensive than 92% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
32% of income
MODERATE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $3,086/mo, rent takes about 32% of the local median household income, slightly above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$123,000/yr
Local median income
$113,964/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Stoneham's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,060
1 BR
$2,180
2 BR
$2,580
3 BR
$3,110
4 BR+
$3,420
Research median
$2,580/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
$37,032/yr
At $3,086/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 6.6% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.6% YoY, -0.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Stoneham, MA is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 55.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
23,355
Median income
$113,964
Median age
42.2
Renters
29%
Age distribution
20.8%
17.5%
28.1%
13.3%
20.4%
Under 1820.8%
18–3417.5%
35–5428.1%
55–6413.3%
65+20.4%
Gender
47.6%
52.4%
Male47.6%
Female52.4%
Race & ethnicity
81.8%
White81.8%
Black1.5%
Hispanic4.7%
Asian6.8%
Other5.2%
Education (25+)
21.8%
17.6%
55.9%
No HS diploma4.6%
HS diploma21.8%
Some college17.6%
Bachelor's+55.9%
Housing tenure
71%
29%
Owner71%
Renter29%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Stoneham, MA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,859 → $3,086
up 7.9%
Income
$105,541 → $113,964
up 8.0%
Population
23,077 → 23,355
up 1.2%
Renter share
32.2% → 29%
-3.2 pts
Bachelor's+
48.1% → 55.9%
+7.8 pts
Median age
42.8 → 42.2
-0.6 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in Stoneham, MA has shifted from $2,859 to $3,086, up 7.9% since 2023. Census figures show median household income at $113,964 today, compared with $105,541 five years earlier. Census counts show Stoneham, MA adding about 278 residents over the five-year window, up 1.2% on net. The renter share has eased from 32.2% to 29%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 48.1% to 55.9% across the same window. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2023.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Stoneham on your salary?

At $3,086/mo, how Stoneham rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Stoneham rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Stoneham

About renting in Stoneham, MA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Stoneham is $3,086/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,060/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,580/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,180/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,110/mo.

At 32% of local median household income ($113,964/yr), Stoneham ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Stoneham an affordable city for renters?

Stoneham is considered moderate for renters. At $3,086/mo, rent takes approximately 32% of the local median household income ($113,964/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Stoneham slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Stoneham?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $123,000/year (~$59/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,086/mo in Stoneham. The local median household income is $113,964/yr, meaning the typical Stoneham household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Stoneham?

Rent in Stoneham has increased 6.6% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Stoneham rent compare to other cities in Massachusetts?

Stoneham is one of the pricier cities in Massachusetts for rent, ranking #22 out of 107 tracked cities at $3,086/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Stoneham?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Stoneham ($3,086/mo): Woburn ($2,780/mo), Wakefield ($2,824/mo), Melrose ($3,026/mo).

What percentage of Stoneham residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 29% of Stoneham households are renters, while 71% are owner-occupied. Stoneham leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Stoneham rent compare to the national average?

Stoneham's median rent of $3,086/mo is $1,121 (57%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #22 out of 107 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
32%
MODERATE

At $3,086/mo, rent takes ~32% of Stoneham's median household income ($113,964/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Stoneham 32%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
Run the Stoneham affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Stoneham, MA

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