Can A Welder Afford Rent in Arlington, MA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 58.9% of gross income.
Arlington rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Massachusetts state estimate).
About rent and a welder salary
Welder pay tracks the US median household income closely. Pipeline and underwater welders earn materially more. At the national-average welder salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,285 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Massachusetts cities have lower median rent than Arlington, which improves the affordability math on a welder salary:
Compare with full rent data for Arlington
View full rent data for Arlington, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a welder afford rent in Arlington, MA?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,925 a month. A typical welder in Massachusetts earns about $59,636 a year, which makes that rent 58.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a welder afford in Arlington?
Using the 30% rule, a welder salary in Massachusetts (~$59,636/yr) supports up to $1,491 a month in rent. Arlington's current median rent is $2,925/mo, which is $1,434/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a welder work to cover rent in Arlington?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a welder in Massachusetts works roughly 102 hours a month to cover Arlington's median rent of $2,925.
Where is rent cheaper than Arlington for a welder?
Nearby Massachusetts cities with lower median rent include Canton ($2,924/mo), Melrose ($2,924/mo), Belmont ($2,923/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a welder salary.