RentDataNowRentDataNow
ZIP Code · MA

ZIP 02478

Part of Belmont, MA
Pop. 27,175·Middlesex County·37th most expensive ZIP in Massachusetts
Median rent (all units)
$3,255/mo
Year-over-Year
+10.3%
Month-over-Month
+1.0%
vs US Median
+$1,290
Rising (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss 02478 rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 02478 · $3,255
More expensive than 93% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,680
1 BR
$2,810
2 BR
$3,340
3 BR
$4,000
4 BR+
$4,420
Research median
$3,340/mo

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

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$39,060/yr
At $3,255/mo median
Location
StateMA
CountyMiddlesex County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 10.3% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+10.3% YoY, +1.0% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 02478 (Belmont, MA) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 80.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
27,175
Median income
$183,137
Median age
42.9
Renters
35.3%
Age distribution
24.2%
14%
29.8%
12.8%
19.3%
Under 1824.2%
18–3414%
35–5429.8%
55–6412.8%
65+19.3%
Gender
48.2%
51.8%
Male48.2%
Female51.8%
Race & ethnicity
69.3%
19.5%
White69.3%
Black1.6%
Hispanic4.9%
Asian19.5%
Other4.7%
Education (25+)
80.9%
No HS diploma2.3%
HS diploma7.5%
Some college9.3%
Bachelor's+80.9%
Housing tenure
64.7%
35.3%
Owner64.7%
Renter35.3%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 02478 in Belmont, MA has changed in 5 years

Income
$151,290 → $183,137
up 21.1%
Population
27,016 → 27,175
up 0.6%
Renter share
36.4% → 35.3%
-1.1 pts
Bachelor's+
77.4% → 80.9%
+3.5 pts
Median age
41.5 → 42.9
+1.4 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $151,290 to $183,137 across the same window, up 21.1% versus 2021. College-educated residents now make up 80.9% of adults here, versus 77.4% in 2021.

Community

Discussions about ZIP 02478

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 02478

About renting in ZIP 02478

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 02478 covers Belmont, MA. The median rent here is $3,255/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $2,810/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $3,340/mo.

At 21% of local median household income ($183,137/yr), ZIP 02478 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 10.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 02478?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 02478 (Belmont, MA) is $3,255. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 02478 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 02478's median rent of $3,255/mo is $1,290 (66%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 02478 compare to other ZIPs in Massachusetts?

ZIP 02478 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Massachusetts, ranking #37 out of 168 ZIPs tracked at $3,255/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 02478?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $130,000/year (~$63/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,255/mo in ZIP 02478. The local median household income is $183,137/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 02478?

Rent in ZIP 02478 has increased 10.3% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 02478 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 02478 is considered very affordable for renters. At $3,255/mo, rent takes approximately 21% of the local median household income ($183,137/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 02478 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 02478 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 35.3% of ZIP 02478 households are renters, while 64.7% are owner-occupied. ZIP 02478 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 02478 compare to the rest of Belmont?

ZIP 02478 is pricier than Belmont as a whole. At $3,255/mo, it's $6 above the Belmont citywide median of $3,249/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 02478 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 02478 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
21%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $3,255/mo, rent takes ~21% of ZIP 02478's median household income ($183,137/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 02478 21%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 02478 (Belmont, MA)

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for this ZIP.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.