Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Chelmsford, MA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 52.1% of gross income.
Chelmsford rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Massachusetts state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Massachusetts cities have lower median rent than Chelmsford, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Chelmsford
View full rent data for Chelmsford, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Chelmsford, MA?
Median rent in Chelmsford is $2,680 a month. A typical paramedic in Massachusetts earns about $61,689 a year, which makes that rent 52.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Chelmsford?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Massachusetts (~$61,689/yr) supports up to $1,542 a month in rent. Chelmsford's current median rent is $2,680/mo, which is $1,138/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Chelmsford?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a paramedic in Massachusetts works roughly 90.4 hours a month to cover Chelmsford's median rent of $2,680.
Where is rent cheaper than Chelmsford for a paramedic?
Nearby Massachusetts cities with lower median rent include Everett ($2,679/mo), Arlington ($2,679/mo), Westborough ($2,679/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.