Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Somerset?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Somerset, you need to earn at least $63,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $105,377, which means the typical resident is $42,377 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 18,266

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,103	$3,677	$44,120	$-61,257
1 Bedroom	$1,307	$4,357	$52,280	$-53,097
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,575	$5,250	$63,000	$-42,377
3 Bedroom	$1,922	$6,407	$76,880	$-28,497
4 Bedroom	$2,363	$7,877	$94,520	$-10,857

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Somerset's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$105,377

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$63,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$42,377

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Somerset

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Somerset's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,634

Studio

$1,103/mo

1 BR

$1,307/mo

2 BR

$1,575/mo

3 BR

$1,922/mo

4 BR

$2,363/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Somerset.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Somerset's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Somerset

Somerset, Massachusetts stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $105,377 significantly exceeds the $63,000 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $42,377 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Somerset, a studio at $1,103/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,922/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $76,880.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $94,500 would position you well — though many residents in Somerset manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Somerset, Massachusetts.

With a total population of 18,266, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 9,365 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $63,000 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

9,365

Active civilian employees in Somerset

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Somerset

What salary do I need to live in Somerset, Massachusetts?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Somerset under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $63,000. The median household income in Somerset is $105,377.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Somerset on $105,377?

The affordability verdict for Somerset is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.9%, meaning median earners have a $42,377 surplus.

What is the average rent in Somerset compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Somerset is $1,307/month. With a median household income of $105,377, residents spend approximately 17.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Somerset?

A studio in Somerset rents for approximately $1,103/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $44,120 to afford this.

Is Somerset considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $42,377 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Somerset is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $63,000 to the local median household income.

How Somerset Compares

Other cities in Massachusetts with salary requirements