Most rent-burdened cities in Massachusetts
Page 2 of 2
Data as of September 2026. Twelve months of median rent as a share of Census median household income (5-year estimates). Updated monthly. Download this list (CSV)
Best value (RRS)Overheated (RRS)Most affordableMost expensiveRent fallingRent risingBest rent/incomeMost rent-burdenedRecord-high rentSeasonal swingsRent vs. income
62 cities
| Rank | City | Rent/income | Median rent | Income | Vs. a year ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | WakefieldMA | 25.3% | $2,827/mo | $134,306 | ↓1 from #50 |
| 52 | MethuenMA | 24.9% | $2,352/mo | $113,310 | ↓1 from #51 |
| 53 | ArlingtonMA | 23.3% | $2,925/mo | $150,701 | ↓1 from #52 |
| 54 | WilmingtonMA | 22.6% | $3,162/mo | $168,152 | -- |
| 55 | NewtonMA | 21.2% | $3,358/mo | $190,304 | ↓1 from #54 |
| 56 | ReadingMA | 20.9% | $2,888/mo | $165,912 | ↓3 from #53 |
| 57 | NeedhamMA | 20.7% | $3,702/mo | $214,308 | ↓2 from #55 |
| 58 | BelmontMA | 20.0% | $3,051/mo | $183,137 | ↓2 from #56 |
| 59 | MarbleheadMA | 19.5% | $2,967/mo | $182,132 | ↓2 from #57 |
| 60 | WellesleyMA | 19.3% | $4,030/mo | $250,001 | ↓2 from #58 |
| 61 | LexingtonMA | 17.7% | $3,522/mo | $238,444 | -- |
| 62 | WinchesterMA | 16.6% | $3,191/mo | $230,198 | ↓3 from #59 |