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Biggest seasonal rent swings in Massachusetts

How far typical asking rents move between the cheapest and priciest month in Massachusetts cities, from at least five years of Zillow data. Cities with 15,000+ residents.

Key findings

Somerville ranks first, with a swing of 7.6% between December and June.
Across all 30 cities on this list, the median rent is $2,764/mo.

Data as of September 2026. Gap between the cheapest and priciest calendar month, from Zillow's unadjusted and seasonally adjusted rent indexes over five or more years. Updated monthly. Download this list (CSV)

Best value (RRS)Overheated (RRS)Most affordable Most expensive Rent falling Rent rising Best rent/income Most rent-burdened Record-high rent Seasonal swings Rent vs. income

30 cities

Rank	City	Yearly swing	Cheapest month	Priciest month	Median rent
01	SomervilleMA Pop. 81KCompare →	7.6%	December	June	$3,428/mo
02	WatertownMA Pop. 36KCompare →	5.9%	December	July	$3,101/mo
03	CambridgeMA Pop. 119KCompare →	5.8%	January	June	$3,438/mo
04	FranklinMA Pop. 33KCompare →	4.6%	February	July	$2,534/mo
05	MedfordMA Pop. 59KCompare →	4.5%	January	June	$3,626/mo
06	MelroseMA Pop. 30KCompare →	4.0%	January	June	$3,031/mo
07	WalthamMA Pop. 65KCompare →	3.9%	December	July	$2,930/mo
08	ArlingtonMA Pop. 46KCompare →	3.7%	December	August	$2,925/mo
09	ChelseaMA Pop. 40KCompare →	3.7%	January	August	$2,632/mo
10	WoburnMA Pop. 42KCompare →	3.5%	January	July	$2,844/mo
11	WeymouthMA Pop. 59KCompare →	3.5%	December	August	$2,553/mo
12	BrooklineMA Pop. 63KCompare →	3.3%	October	March	$3,488/mo
13	BraintreeMA Pop. 39KCompare →	3.1%	November	May	$2,920/mo
14	BostonMA Pop. 666KCompare →	2.8%	November	June	$3,271/mo
15	EverettMA Pop. 50KCompare →	2.8%	January	July	$2,803/mo
16	SalemMA Pop. 45KCompare →	2.8%	January	June	$2,683/mo
17	NewtonMA Pop. 89KCompare →	2.7%	January	June	$3,358/mo
18	LowellMA Pop. 118KCompare →	2.6%	December	July	$2,252/mo
19	QuincyMA Pop. 102KCompare →	2.5%	January	July	$2,712/mo
20	BeverlyMA Pop. 43KCompare →	2.3%	February	October	$2,745/mo
21	MarlboroughMA Pop. 42KCompare →	2.2%	January	July	$2,666/mo
22	LynnMA Pop. 102KCompare →	2.2%	December	July	$2,342/mo
23	RevereMA Pop. 60KCompare →	2.1%	January	August	$2,764/mo
24	HaverhillMA Pop. 68KCompare →	1.9%	March	July	$2,258/mo
25	WorcesterMA Pop. 207KCompare →	1.8%	January	July	$2,122/mo
26	LawrenceMA Pop. 89KCompare →	1.7%	December	August	$2,372/mo
27	FraminghamMA Pop. 72KCompare →	1.7%	November	June	$2,298/mo
28	MaldenMA Pop. 66KCompare →	1.6%	February	July	$2,929/mo
29	Fall RiverMA Pop. 94KCompare →	1.5%	December	August	$1,888/mo
30	SpringfieldMA Pop. 155KCompare →	0.9%	April	September	$1,822/mo