Rent in Barnstable County, MA at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$2,422$29,064 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $2,488 (+2.7%)How much rent can you afford in Barnstable County, MA?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Barnstable County, MA by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,834 | $22,008 | $73,360 | $35.27/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,846 | $22,152 | $73,840 | $35.50/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $2,422 | $29,064 | $96,880 | $46.58/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,985 | $35,820 | $119,400 | $57.40/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,428 | $41,136 | $137,120 | $65.92/hr |
Cost of living in Barnstable County, MA: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Barnstable County, MA
Rent in Barnstable County, MA: common questions
How much is rent going up in Barnstable County, MA in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $2,488 for a two-bedroom, up 2.7% from $2,422. A one-bedroom goes from $1,846 to $1,902, a studio from $1,834 to $1,889.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Barnstable County, MA?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,846 for a one-bedroom and $2,422 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $29,064 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Barnstable County, MA?
To keep a $2,422 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $46.58 an hour, or $96,880 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,846 takes $35.50 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Barnstable County, MA?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,834, one bedroom $1,846, two $2,422, three $2,985 and four $3,428 a month.
Is rent affordable in Barnstable County, MA?
For the typical household, earning $95,241 a year ($7,937 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $2,422 takes 30.5% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is over it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($2,422 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $96,880. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $46.58 an hour.