Can A HVAC Technician Afford Rent in Chelsea, MA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 47.4% of gross income.
Chelsea rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Massachusetts state estimate).
About rent and a hvac technician salary
HVAC technician pay sits near the US median household income and rises sharply with certification and overtime. At the national-average HVAC salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,433 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Massachusetts cities have lower median rent than Chelsea, which improves the affordability math on a hvac technician salary:
Compare with full rent data for Chelsea
View full rent data for Chelsea, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a hvac technician afford rent in Chelsea, MA?
Median rent in Chelsea is $2,628 a month. A typical hvac technician in Massachusetts earns about $66,468 a year, which makes that rent 47.4% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a hvac technician afford in Chelsea?
Using the 30% rule, a hvac technician salary in Massachusetts (~$66,468/yr) supports up to $1,662 a month in rent. Chelsea's current median rent is $2,628/mo, which is $966/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a hvac technician work to cover rent in Chelsea?
At an hourly equivalent of about $32 an hour, a hvac technician in Massachusetts works roughly 82.2 hours a month to cover Chelsea's median rent of $2,628.
Where is rent cheaper than Chelsea for a hvac technician?
Nearby Massachusetts cities with lower median rent include Wakefield ($2,627/mo), Randolph ($2,627/mo), Gloucester ($2,626/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a hvac technician salary.