Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Arlington, MA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 46.9% of gross income.
Arlington rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Massachusetts state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Massachusetts cities have lower median rent than Arlington, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Arlington
View full rent data for Arlington, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Arlington, MA?
Median rent in Arlington is $3,043 a month. A typical plumber in Massachusetts earns about $77,836 a year, which makes that rent 46.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Arlington?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Massachusetts (~$77,836/yr) supports up to $1,946 a month in rent. Arlington's current median rent is $3,043/mo, which is $1,097/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Arlington?
At an hourly equivalent of about $37 an hour, a plumber in Massachusetts works roughly 81.3 hours a month to cover Arlington's median rent of $3,043.
Where is rent cheaper than Arlington for a plumber?
Nearby Massachusetts cities with lower median rent include Waltham ($3,042/mo), Hanover ($3,042/mo), Bedford ($3,037/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.