Can A Dental Hygienist Afford Rent in Chelsea, MA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 31.1% of gross income.
Chelsea rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Massachusetts state estimate).
About rent and a dental hygienist salary
Dental hygienist pay covers comfortable rent in most US metros. At the national-average dental-hygienist salary, the 30% rule supports about $2,188 a month in rent, which is above the median in most cities.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Massachusetts cities have lower median rent than Chelsea, which improves the affordability math on a dental hygienist salary:
Compare with full rent data for Chelsea
View full rent data for Chelsea, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental hygienist afford rent in Chelsea, MA?
Median rent in Chelsea is $2,632 a month. A typical dental hygienist in Massachusetts earns about $101,512 a year, which makes that rent 31.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a dental hygienist afford in Chelsea?
Using the 30% rule, a dental hygienist salary in Massachusetts (~$101,512/yr) supports up to $2,538 a month in rent. Chelsea's current median rent is $2,632/mo, which is $94/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental hygienist work to cover rent in Chelsea?
At an hourly equivalent of about $49 an hour, a dental hygienist in Massachusetts works roughly 53.9 hours a month to cover Chelsea's median rent of $2,632.
Where is rent cheaper than Chelsea for a dental hygienist?
Nearby Massachusetts cities with lower median rent include Salem ($2,631/mo), Bridgewater ($2,630/mo), North Andover ($2,630/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental hygienist salary.