Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Somerville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Somerville, you need to earn at least $113,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $120,778, which means the typical resident is $7,178 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 80,464

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,988	$6,627	$79,520	$-41,258
1 Bedroom	$2,357	$7,857	$94,280	$-26,498
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,840	$9,467	$113,600	$-7,178
3 Bedroom	$3,465	$11,550	$138,600	+$17,822
4 Bedroom	$4,260	$14,200	$170,400	+$49,622

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$120,778

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$113,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$7,178

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 28.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Somerville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$3,019

Studio

$1,988/mo

1 BR

$2,357/mo

2 BR

$2,840/mo

3 BR

$3,465/mo

4 BR

$4,260/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Somerville

Renting in Somerville, Massachusetts is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $113,600/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $120,778, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($2,357/month) or studio ($1,988/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Somerville pushes the required income to $138,600.

For comfortable living in Somerville without financial stress, target a household income of at least $170,400 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Massachusetts's cost of living.

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 Somerville, Massachusetts.

With a total population of 80,464, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 55,982 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $113,600 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

55,982

Active civilian employees in Somerville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Somerville

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Somerville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $113,600. The median household income in Somerville is $120,778.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Somerville on $120,778?

The affordability verdict for Somerville is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 28.2%, meaning median earners have a $7,178 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Somerville is $2,357/month. With a median household income of $120,778, residents spend approximately 28.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Somerville?

A studio in Somerville rents for approximately $1,988/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $79,520 to afford this.

Is Somerville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $7,178 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Somerville is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $113,600 to the local median household income.

How Somerville Compares

Other cities in Massachusetts with salary requirements