Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Essex County vs Massachusetts
How do Essex County and Massachusetts rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $2,476
- Essex County (1BR)
- $1,796
- Massachusetts (1BR)
- +38%
- 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 Essex County is 38% more expensive than Massachusetts at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($2,476 vs $1,796). 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 | Essex County | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,359 | $1,696 | +$663 (+39%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,476 | $1,796 | +$680 (+38%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,941 | $2,261 | +$680 (+30%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,526 | $2,823 | +$703 (+25%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $3,894 | $3,188 | +$706 (+22%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Essex County is 158% above the US average. Massachusetts is 87% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).