Rent in Suffolk County, MA at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$2,941$35,292 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $3,008 (+2.3%)How much rent can you afford in Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 | $2,359 | $28,308 | $94,360 | $45.37/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $2,476 | $29,712 | $99,040 | $47.62/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $2,941 | $35,292 | $117,640 | $56.56/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,526 | $42,312 | $141,040 | $67.81/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,894 | $46,728 | $155,760 | $74.88/hr |
Cost of living in Suffolk County, MA: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Suffolk County, MA
Rent in Suffolk County, MA: common questions
How much is rent going up in Suffolk County, MA in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $3,008 for a two-bedroom, up 2.3% from $2,941. A one-bedroom goes from $2,476 to $2,518, a studio from $2,359 to $2,440.
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 Suffolk County, MA?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $2,476 for a one-bedroom and $2,941 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $35,292 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 Suffolk County, MA?
To keep a $2,941 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $56.56 an hour, or $117,640 a year. A one-bedroom at $2,476 takes $47.62 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Suffolk County, MA?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $2,359, one bedroom $2,476, two $2,941, three $3,526 and four $3,894 a month.
Is rent affordable in Suffolk County, MA?
For the typical household, earning $95,631 a year ($7,969 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $2,941 takes 36.9% 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: ($2,941 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $117,640. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $56.56 an hour.