Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Salem
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Salem is 54% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,137/mo vs $1,754/mo in Boston-Cambridge-Newton — saving $7,404/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Boston-Cambridge-Newton | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,196 | $741 | $455 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,409 | $913 | $496 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,754 | $1,137 | $617 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,044 | $1,411 | $633 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,555 | $1,615 | $940 |
| Median Income | $100,795 | $53,953 | $46,842 |
Boston-Cambridge-Newton
- Studio
- $1,196/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,409/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,754/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,044/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,555/mo
- Median Income
- $100,795/yr
Salem
- Studio
- $741/mo
- 1 BR
- $913/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,137/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,411/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,615/mo
- Median Income
- $53,953/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton or Salem cheaper to rent in?
Salem is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,137/mo vs $1,754/mo in Boston-Cambridge-Newton. That's $617/mo or $7,404/year more expensive in Boston-Cambridge-Newton (54% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Salem?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $1,754/month. In Salem, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,137/month.
How do incomes compare between Boston-Cambridge-Newton and Salem?
The median household income in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $100,795/year. In Salem it is $53,953/year. Boston-Cambridge-Newton has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Salem?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $1,196/mo. In Salem it is $741/mo.