Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA vs Barnstable Town, MA MSA
How do Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA and Barnstable Town, MA MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $1,580
- Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA (1BR)
- $1,846
- Barnstable Town, MA MSA (1BR)
- −14%
- 1BR difference
Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
A 1-bedroom in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA is 14% cheaper than Barnstable Town, MA MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,580 vs $1,846). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.
How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?
| Bedrooms | Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA | Barnstable Town, MA MSA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,382 | $1,834 | −$452 (-25%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,580 | $1,846 | −$266 (-14%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,004 | $2,422 | −$418 (-17%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,504 | $2,985 | −$481 (-16%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,702 | $3,428 | −$726 (-21%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA is 65% above the US average. Barnstable Town, MA MSA is 92% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).