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ZIP Code · MA

ZIP 02138

Pop. 38,509·Middlesex County·31st most expensive ZIP in Massachusetts
Median rent (all units)
$3,336/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.0%
Month-over-Month
-0.1%
vs US Median
+$1,371
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 02138 · $3,336
More expensive than 94% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,594
1 BR
$2,725
2 BR
$3,237
3 BR
$3,880
4 BR+
$4,286
Research median
$3,237/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$40,032/yr
At $3,336/mo median
Location
StateMA
CountyMiddlesex County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 7.0% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.0% YoY, -0.1% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 02138 (Cambridge, MA) is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income above the national average, 85.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
38,509
Median income
$119,967
Median age
28.3
Renters
58.1%
Age distribution
13.1%
47.8%
18.7%
14.4%
Under 1813.1%
18–3447.8%
35–5418.7%
55–646%
65+14.4%
Gender
48.1%
51.9%
Male48.1%
Female51.9%
Race & ethnicity
60.8%
17.2%
White60.8%
Black7%
Hispanic10%
Asian17.2%
Other4.9%
Education (25+)
85.6%
No HS diploma1.6%
HS diploma3.7%
Some college9.1%
Bachelor's+85.6%
Housing tenure
41.9%
58.1%
Owner41.9%
Renter58.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 02138 in Cambridge, MA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,481 → $3,336
up 34.5%
Income
$108,692 → $119,967
up 10.4%
Population
39,370 → 38,509
down 2.2%
Renter share
63.1% → 58.1%
-5.0 pts
Bachelor's+
86.2% → 85.6%
-0.6 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in ZIP 02138 in Cambridge, MA has climbed from $2,481 to $3,336, a 34.5% change over five years. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $108,692 in 2021 to $119,967 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 2.2% since 2021, moving from about 39,370 residents to roughly 38,509. Renters now make up 58.1% of households, compared with 63.1% five years ago. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the ZIP 02138 in Cambridge, MA market of 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 02138

About renting in ZIP 02138

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 02138 covers Cambridge, MA. The median rent here is $3,336/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $2,725/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $3,237/mo.

At 33% of local median household income ($119,967/yr), ZIP 02138 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 02138?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 02138 (Cambridge, MA) is $3,336. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 02138 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 02138's median rent of $3,336/mo is $1,371 (70%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 02138 compare to other ZIPs in Massachusetts?

ZIP 02138 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Massachusetts, ranking #31 out of 168 ZIPs tracked at $3,336/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 02138?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $133,000/year (~$64/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,336/mo in ZIP 02138. The local median household income is $119,967/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 02138?

Rent in ZIP 02138 has increased 7.0% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 02138 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 02138 is considered moderate for renters. At $3,336/mo, rent takes approximately 33% of the local median household income ($119,967/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 02138 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 02138 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 58.1% of ZIP 02138 households are renters, while 41.9% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 02138 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 02138 compare to the rest of Cambridge?

ZIP 02138 is more affordable than Cambridge overall. At $3,336/mo, it's $262 below the Cambridge citywide median of $3,598/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 02138 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 02138 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
33%
MODERATE

At $3,336/mo, rent takes ~33% of ZIP 02138's median household income ($119,967/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 02138 33%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 02138 (Cambridge, MA)

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