Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Boston, MA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 52.6% of gross income.
Boston rent: July 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 Boston, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Boston
View full rent data for Boston, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Boston, MA?
Median rent in Boston is $3,414 a month. A typical plumber in Massachusetts earns about $77,836 a year, which makes that rent 52.6% 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 Boston?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Massachusetts (~$77,836/yr) supports up to $1,946 a month in rent. Boston's current median rent is $3,414/mo, which is $1,468/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Boston?
At an hourly equivalent of about $37 an hour, a plumber in Massachusetts works roughly 91.2 hours a month to cover Boston's median rent of $3,414.
Where is rent cheaper than Boston for a plumber?
Nearby Massachusetts cities with lower median rent include Medford ($3,401/mo), Needham ($3,399/mo), Needham ($3,395/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.