Massachusetts Section 8 Fair Market Rent Benchmarks by Town (FY2027)
The tables below compare HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rent benchmarks across Massachusetts towns and areas. They are not approved voucher rents or a separate rent ceiling set by each town. HUD's annual benchmarks and the housing authority's adopted payment standards answer different questions.
For an actual rental proposal, identify the administering agency, program, full address, voucher size, unit size and tenant-paid utilities. Ask for the agency's adopted schedule and household calculation. A new HUD fiscal-year figure does not automatically replace that schedule on the same date.
How to use this reference. The geographic tables and year-to-year comparisons provide market context. For Boston Housing Authority households, use the Boston adopted-standards and household-cost guide. BHA's published chart varies by ZIP, so these town-level benchmarks should not be quoted as BHA's offer for a particular apartment. Other authorities have their own documents and approved exceptions; a generic 90%–110% range is not a substitute for them.
FY2027 Fair Market Rents by Metro Area in Massachusetts
HUD groups locations into FMR areas. Use the table as geographic benchmark context, then confirm the responsible authority's adopted schedule. Any ZIP-level label in a benchmark table does not establish a household's applicable payment standard.
| FMR area | Studio | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR | 2 BR vs FY2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $1,416 | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $1,889 | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Berkshire County, MA (part) | $1,329 | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH | $2,440 | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Brockton, MA | $1,678 | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| Eastern Worcester County, MA | $1,740 | $1,910 | $2,499 | $3,424 | $3,736 | +15.4% |
| Easton-Raynham, MA | $1,971 | $2,209 | $2,589 | $3,085 | $3,651 | +1.5% |
| Fitchburg-Leominster, MA | $1,323 | $1,571 | $1,900 | $2,419 | $2,828 | +8.6% |
| Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,677 | $1,809 | $2,367 | $2,820 | $3,111 | +4.3% |
| Lowell, MA | $1,659 | $1,831 | $2,383 | $2,878 | $3,132 | +1.4% |
| New Bedford, MA | $1,297 | $1,305 | $1,668 | $1,987 | $2,524 | +9.2% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $1,315 | $1,324 | $1,704 | $2,231 | $2,848 | +4.8% |
| Providence-Fall River, RI-MA | $1,423 | $1,509 | $1,879 | $2,302 | $2,615 | +8.7% |
| Springfield, MA | $1,264 | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Taunton-Mansfield-Norton, MA | $1,517 | $1,666 | $2,179 | $2,596 | $2,864 | +4.9% |
| Western Worcester County, MA | $1,280 | $1,288 | $1,659 | $2,297 | $2,773 | +8.3% |
| Worcester, MA | $1,577 | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
FY2027 Fair Market Rents for Every Town in Massachusetts
All 351 towns, alphabetical. Studio figures are in the metro table above.
| Town | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR | 2 BR vs FY2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abington town (Plymouth County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| Acton town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Acushnet town (Bristol County) | $1,305 | $1,668 | $1,987 | $2,524 | +9.2% |
| Adams town (Berkshire County) | $1,324 | $1,704 | $2,231 | $2,848 | +4.8% |
| Agawam Town city (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Alford town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Amesbury city (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Amherst Town city (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Andover town (Essex County) | $1,809 | $2,367 | $2,820 | $3,111 | +4.3% |
| Aquinnah town (Dukes County) | $1,537 | $2,010 | $2,783 | $3,112 | -6.2% |
| Arlington town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Ashburnham town (Worcester County) | $1,571 | $1,900 | $2,419 | $2,828 | +8.6% |
| Ashby town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Ashfield town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Ashland town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Athol town (Worcester County) | $1,288 | $1,659 | $2,297 | $2,773 | +8.3% |
| Attleboro city (Bristol County) | $1,509 | $1,879 | $2,302 | $2,615 | +8.7% |
| Auburn town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Avon town (Norfolk County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| Ayer town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Barnstable Town city (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Barre town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Becket town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Bedford town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Belchertown town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Bellingham town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Belmont town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Berkley town (Bristol County) | $1,666 | $2,179 | $2,596 | $2,864 | +4.9% |
| Berlin town (Worcester County) | $1,910 | $2,499 | $3,424 | $3,736 | +15.4% |
| Bernardston town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Beverly city (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Billerica town (Middlesex County) | $1,831 | $2,383 | $2,878 | $3,132 | +1.4% |
| Blackstone town (Worcester County) | $1,910 | $2,499 | $3,424 | $3,736 | +15.4% |
| Blandford town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Bolton town (Worcester County) | $1,910 | $2,499 | $3,424 | $3,736 | +15.4% |
| Boston city (Suffolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Bourne town (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Boxborough town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Boxford town (Essex County) | $1,809 | $2,367 | $2,820 | $3,111 | +4.3% |
| Boylston town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Braintree Town city (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Brewster town (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Bridgewater city (Plymouth County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| Brimfield town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Brockton city (Plymouth County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| Brookfield town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Brookline town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Buckland town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Burlington town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Cambridge city (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Canton town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Carlisle town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Carver town (Plymouth County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Charlemont town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Charlton town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Chatham town (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Chelmsford town (Middlesex County) | $1,831 | $2,383 | $2,878 | $3,132 | +1.4% |
| Chelsea city (Suffolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Cheshire town (Berkshire County) | $1,324 | $1,704 | $2,231 | $2,848 | +4.8% |
| Chester town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Chesterfield town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Chicopee city (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Chilmark town (Dukes County) | $1,537 | $2,010 | $2,783 | $3,112 | -6.2% |
| Clarksburg town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Clinton town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Cohasset town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Colrain town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Concord town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Conway town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Cummington town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Dalton town (Berkshire County) | $1,324 | $1,704 | $2,231 | $2,848 | +4.8% |
| Danvers town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Dartmouth town (Bristol County) | $1,305 | $1,668 | $1,987 | $2,524 | +9.2% |
| Dedham town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Deerfield town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Dennis town (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Dighton town (Bristol County) | $1,666 | $2,179 | $2,596 | $2,864 | +4.9% |
| Douglas town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Dover town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Dracut town (Middlesex County) | $1,831 | $2,383 | $2,878 | $3,132 | +1.4% |
| Dudley town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Dunstable town (Middlesex County) | $1,831 | $2,383 | $2,878 | $3,132 | +1.4% |
| Duxbury town (Plymouth County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| East Bridgewater town (Plymouth County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| East Brookfield town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| East Longmeadow town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Eastham town (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Easthampton city (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Easton town (Bristol County) | $2,209 | $2,589 | $3,085 | $3,651 | +1.5% |
| Edgartown town (Dukes County) | $1,537 | $2,010 | $2,783 | $3,112 | -6.2% |
| Egremont town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Erving town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Essex town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Everett city (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Fairhaven town (Bristol County) | $1,305 | $1,668 | $1,987 | $2,524 | +9.2% |
| Fall River city (Bristol County) | $1,509 | $1,879 | $2,302 | $2,615 | +8.7% |
| Falmouth town (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Fitchburg city (Worcester County) | $1,571 | $1,900 | $2,419 | $2,828 | +8.6% |
| Florida town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Foxborough town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Framingham city (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Franklin Town city (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Freetown town (Bristol County) | $1,305 | $1,668 | $1,987 | $2,524 | +9.2% |
| Gardner city (Worcester County) | $1,571 | $1,900 | $2,419 | $2,828 | +8.6% |
| Georgetown town (Essex County) | $1,809 | $2,367 | $2,820 | $3,111 | +4.3% |
| Gill town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Gloucester city (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Goshen town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Gosnold town (Dukes County) | $1,537 | $2,010 | $2,783 | $3,112 | -6.2% |
| Grafton town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Granby town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Granville town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Great Barrington town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Greenfield city (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Groton town (Middlesex County) | $1,831 | $2,383 | $2,878 | $3,132 | +1.4% |
| Groveland town (Essex County) | $1,809 | $2,367 | $2,820 | $3,111 | +4.3% |
| Hadley town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Halifax town (Plymouth County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| Hamilton town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Hampden town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Hancock town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Hanover town (Plymouth County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Hanson town (Plymouth County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| Hardwick town (Worcester County) | $1,288 | $1,659 | $2,297 | $2,773 | +8.3% |
| Harvard town (Worcester County) | $1,910 | $2,499 | $3,424 | $3,736 | +15.4% |
| Harwich town (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Hatfield town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Haverhill city (Essex County) | $1,809 | $2,367 | $2,820 | $3,111 | +4.3% |
| Hawley town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Heath town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Hingham town (Plymouth County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Hinsdale town (Berkshire County) | $1,324 | $1,704 | $2,231 | $2,848 | +4.8% |
| Holbrook town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Holden town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Holland town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Holliston town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Holyoke city (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Hopedale town (Worcester County) | $1,910 | $2,499 | $3,424 | $3,736 | +15.4% |
| Hopkinton town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Hubbardston town (Worcester County) | $1,288 | $1,659 | $2,297 | $2,773 | +8.3% |
| Hudson town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Hull town (Plymouth County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Huntington town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Ipswich town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Kingston town (Plymouth County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Lakeville town (Plymouth County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| Lancaster town (Worcester County) | $1,910 | $2,499 | $3,424 | $3,736 | +15.4% |
| Lanesborough town (Berkshire County) | $1,324 | $1,704 | $2,231 | $2,848 | +4.8% |
| Lawrence city (Essex County) | $1,809 | $2,367 | $2,820 | $3,111 | +4.3% |
| Lee town (Berkshire County) | $1,324 | $1,704 | $2,231 | $2,848 | +4.8% |
| Leicester town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Lenox town (Berkshire County) | $1,324 | $1,704 | $2,231 | $2,848 | +4.8% |
| Leominster city (Worcester County) | $1,571 | $1,900 | $2,419 | $2,828 | +8.6% |
| Leverett town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Lexington town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Leyden town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Lincoln town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Littleton town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Longmeadow town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Lowell city (Middlesex County) | $1,831 | $2,383 | $2,878 | $3,132 | +1.4% |
| Ludlow town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Lunenburg town (Worcester County) | $1,571 | $1,900 | $2,419 | $2,828 | +8.6% |
| Lynn city (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Lynnfield town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Malden city (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Manchester-by-the-Sea town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Mansfield town (Bristol County) | $1,666 | $2,179 | $2,596 | $2,864 | +4.9% |
| Marblehead town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Marion town (Plymouth County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| Marlborough city (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Marshfield town (Plymouth County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Mashpee town (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Mattapoisett town (Plymouth County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| Maynard town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Medfield town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Medford city (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Medway town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Melrose city (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Mendon town (Worcester County) | $1,910 | $2,499 | $3,424 | $3,736 | +15.4% |
| Merrimac town (Essex County) | $1,809 | $2,367 | $2,820 | $3,111 | +4.3% |
| Methuen city (Essex County) | $1,809 | $2,367 | $2,820 | $3,111 | +4.3% |
| Middleborough town (Plymouth County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| Middlefield town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Middleton town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Milford town (Worcester County) | $1,910 | $2,499 | $3,424 | $3,736 | +15.4% |
| Millbury town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Millis town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Millville town (Worcester County) | $1,910 | $2,499 | $3,424 | $3,736 | +15.4% |
| Milton town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Monroe town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Monson town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Montague town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Monterey town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Montgomery town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Mount Washington town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Nahant town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Nantucket town (Nantucket County) | $2,739 | $3,583 | $4,269 | $5,392 | +14.2% |
| Natick town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Needham town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| New Ashford town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| New Bedford city (Bristol County) | $1,305 | $1,668 | $1,987 | $2,524 | +9.2% |
| New Braintree town (Worcester County) | $1,288 | $1,659 | $2,297 | $2,773 | +8.3% |
| New Marlborough town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| New Salem town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Newbury town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Newburyport city (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Newton city (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Norfolk town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| North Adams city (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| North Andover town (Essex County) | $1,809 | $2,367 | $2,820 | $3,111 | +4.3% |
| North Attleborough Town city (Bristol County) | $1,509 | $1,879 | $2,302 | $2,615 | +8.7% |
| North Brookfield town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| North Reading town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Northampton city (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Northborough town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Northbridge town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Northfield town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Norton town (Bristol County) | $1,666 | $2,179 | $2,596 | $2,864 | +4.9% |
| Norwell town (Plymouth County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Norwood town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Oak Bluffs town (Dukes County) | $1,537 | $2,010 | $2,783 | $3,112 | -6.2% |
| Oakham town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Orange town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Orleans town (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Otis town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Oxford town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Palmer Town city (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Paxton town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Peabody city (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Pelham town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Pembroke town (Plymouth County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Pepperell town (Middlesex County) | $1,831 | $2,383 | $2,878 | $3,132 | +1.4% |
| Peru town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Petersham town (Worcester County) | $1,288 | $1,659 | $2,297 | $2,773 | +8.3% |
| Phillipston town (Worcester County) | $1,288 | $1,659 | $2,297 | $2,773 | +8.3% |
| Pittsfield city (Berkshire County) | $1,324 | $1,704 | $2,231 | $2,848 | +4.8% |
| Plainfield town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Plainville town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Plymouth town (Plymouth County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Plympton town (Plymouth County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| Princeton town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Provincetown town (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Quincy city (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Randolph city (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Raynham town (Bristol County) | $2,209 | $2,589 | $3,085 | $3,651 | +1.5% |
| Reading town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Rehoboth town (Bristol County) | $1,509 | $1,879 | $2,302 | $2,615 | +8.7% |
| Revere city (Suffolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Richmond town (Berkshire County) | $1,324 | $1,704 | $2,231 | $2,848 | +4.8% |
| Rochester town (Plymouth County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| Rockland town (Plymouth County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Rockport town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Rowe town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Rowley town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Royalston town (Worcester County) | $1,288 | $1,659 | $2,297 | $2,773 | +8.3% |
| Russell town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Rutland town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Salem city (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Salisbury town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Sandisfield town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Sandwich town (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Saugus town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Savoy town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Scituate town (Plymouth County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Seekonk town (Bristol County) | $1,509 | $1,879 | $2,302 | $2,615 | +8.7% |
| Sharon town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Sheffield town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Shelburne town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Sherborn town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Shirley town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Shrewsbury town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Shutesbury town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Somerset town (Bristol County) | $1,509 | $1,879 | $2,302 | $2,615 | +8.7% |
| Somerville city (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| South Hadley town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Southampton town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Southborough town (Worcester County) | $1,910 | $2,499 | $3,424 | $3,736 | +15.4% |
| Southbridge Town city (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Southwick town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Spencer town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Springfield city (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Sterling town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Stockbridge town (Berkshire County) | $1,324 | $1,704 | $2,231 | $2,848 | +4.8% |
| Stoneham town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Stoughton town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Stow town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Sturbridge town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Sudbury town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Sunderland town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Sutton town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Swampscott town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Swansea town (Bristol County) | $1,509 | $1,879 | $2,302 | $2,615 | +8.7% |
| Taunton city (Bristol County) | $1,666 | $2,179 | $2,596 | $2,864 | +4.9% |
| Templeton town (Worcester County) | $1,571 | $1,900 | $2,419 | $2,828 | +8.6% |
| Tewksbury town (Middlesex County) | $1,831 | $2,383 | $2,878 | $3,132 | +1.4% |
| Tisbury town (Dukes County) | $1,537 | $2,010 | $2,783 | $3,112 | -6.2% |
| Tolland town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Topsfield town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Townsend town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Truro town (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Tyngsborough town (Middlesex County) | $1,831 | $2,383 | $2,878 | $3,132 | +1.4% |
| Tyringham town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Upton town (Worcester County) | $1,910 | $2,499 | $3,424 | $3,736 | +15.4% |
| Uxbridge town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Wakefield town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Wales town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Walpole town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Waltham city (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Ware town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Wareham town (Plymouth County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Warren town (Worcester County) | $1,288 | $1,659 | $2,297 | $2,773 | +8.3% |
| Warwick town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Washington town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Watertown city (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Wayland town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Webster town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Wellesley town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Wellfleet town (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
| Wendell town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Wenham town (Essex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| West Boylston town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| West Bridgewater town (Plymouth County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| West Brookfield town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| West Newbury town (Essex County) | $1,809 | $2,367 | $2,820 | $3,111 | +4.3% |
| West Springfield Town city (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| West Stockbridge town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| West Tisbury town (Dukes County) | $1,537 | $2,010 | $2,783 | $3,112 | -6.2% |
| Westborough town (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Westfield city (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Westford town (Middlesex County) | $1,831 | $2,383 | $2,878 | $3,132 | +1.4% |
| Westhampton town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Westminster town (Worcester County) | $1,571 | $1,900 | $2,419 | $2,828 | +8.6% |
| Weston town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Westport town (Bristol County) | $1,509 | $1,879 | $2,302 | $2,615 | +8.7% |
| Westwood town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Weymouth Town city (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Whately town (Franklin County) | $1,439 | $1,882 | $2,242 | $2,473 | +0.9% |
| Whitman town (Plymouth County) | $1,842 | $2,409 | $3,015 | $3,166 | +4.2% |
| Wilbraham town (Hampden County) | $1,421 | $1,800 | $2,241 | $2,370 | +3.8% |
| Williamsburg town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Williamstown town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Wilmington town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Winchendon town (Worcester County) | $1,571 | $1,900 | $2,419 | $2,828 | +8.6% |
| Winchester town (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Windsor town (Berkshire County) | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | +3.2% |
| Winthrop Town city (Suffolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Woburn city (Middlesex County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Worcester city (Worcester County) | $1,587 | $2,043 | $2,560 | $2,915 | -0.6% |
| Worthington town (Hampshire County) | $1,593 | $2,034 | $2,663 | $2,768 | +1.5% |
| Wrentham town (Norfolk County) | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | +2.3% |
| Yarmouth town (Barnstable County) | $1,902 | $2,488 | $3,121 | $3,721 | +2.7% |
Where the HUD Benchmark Moved Most From FY2026 to FY2027
Biggest increases (2-bedroom):
| Town | FY2026 | FY2027 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin town (Worcester County) | $2,166 | $2,499 | +15.4% |
| Blackstone town (Worcester County) | $2,166 | $2,499 | +15.4% |
| Bolton town (Worcester County) | $2,166 | $2,499 | +15.4% |
| Harvard town (Worcester County) | $2,166 | $2,499 | +15.4% |
| Hopedale town (Worcester County) | $2,166 | $2,499 | +15.4% |
Biggest cuts (2-bedroom):
| Town | FY2026 | FY2027 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquinnah town (Dukes County) | $2,143 | $2,010 | -6.2% |
| Chilmark town (Dukes County) | $2,143 | $2,010 | -6.2% |
| Edgartown town (Dukes County) | $2,143 | $2,010 | -6.2% |
| Gosnold town (Dukes County) | $2,143 | $2,010 | -6.2% |
| Oak Bluffs town (Dukes County) | $2,143 | $2,010 | -6.2% |
A benchmark change is not an automatic change in an existing tenant's assistance. Ask the authority which adopted schedule and transition rules apply to a new proposal, recertification or rent-increase request. Keep its written payment breakdown rather than inferring timing from the direction of the HUD change.
Comparing HUD Benchmarks With Observed Market Rents
The following comparison relates HUD two-bedroom benchmarks to observed market rents in the underlying data. It can help frame a search, but it does not measure a particular household's assistance, an approved owner rent or the availability of suitable units. The table's premium is a benchmark-to-market comparison, not a promised voucher advantage.
| Metro | ZIPs with data | Median premium | ZIPs above market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield, MA | 18 | -2.2% | 33% |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 167 | -18.9% | 11% |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 17 | -24.1% | 0% |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 27 | -29.5% | 0% |
A positive comparison does not establish faster leasing or an approved rent. Evaluate actual apartments using the agency's standard, utility allowance, household affordability and rent-reasonableness review.
Find the administrator and the correct application route
BHA, Cambridge Housing Authority, other local authorities and the state-administered program are separate routes. A closed list at one agency does not close all Massachusetts applications. Use the state's HCV application instructions and the centralized local-authority application site to identify the actual list and participating agencies.
The EOHLC mobile-voucher list closed to new applications January 13, 2025. BHA's tenant-based list is also currently closed, while the centralized local-authority route is separate. Check the current official notice before applying and save the named program, submission confirmation and update instructions. Public housing and state rental-voucher applications should not be mistaken for a federal HCV application.
For an issued voucher, start with the agency shown on your documents and obtain its current payment and utility schedules. The Boston city guide separates regional application routes; the BHA payment-standard page provides its adopted chart. If moving between agencies, resolve portability rather than carrying the old agency's amount into the destination calculation.
Can a Landlord Refuse a Voucher in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts fair-housing guidance identifies source of income, including Section 8, as protected. Keep written screening criteria and responses if a housing provider rejects an applicant based on rental assistance. Agency eligibility, rent review and unit approval remain separate requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Section 8 pay in Massachusetts? It depends on the administering agency, program, address, voucher and unit sizes, income and utilities. Use the adopted standard and household calculation. The town-level figures in this article are HUD benchmarks, not a payment promise.
Which town has the highest two-bedroom HUD benchmark in this table? Nantucket town (Nantucket County), at $3,583 for a 2-bedroom ($4,269 for a 3-bedroom) in FY2027. The lowest is Athol town (Worcester County) at $1,659.
Did the HUD benchmarks change from FY2026 to FY2027? The year-to-year tables show the benchmark changes in the underlying dataset. They do not establish when or whether a housing authority changes a household's assistance. Confirm the adopted schedule and effective-date rules with the authority.
Can a landlord refuse Section 8 in Massachusetts? Massachusetts fair-housing guidance identifies source of income, including Section 8, as protected. Keep written screening criteria and responses if a housing provider rejects an applicant based on rental assistance. Agency eligibility, rent review and unit approval remain separate requirements.
Where is my housing authority's actual payment standard? Use the administering authority's current HCV resource page or request the documents from its housing specialist. Record payment-standard and utility-schedule dates separately; they may be updated at different times.
See the Massachusetts Section 8 overview, Boston household-cost guide and HUD FMR dataset documentation.
Holding a voucher in Massachusetts? Compare Boston-area apartments using the responsible agency standards and actual unit terms.
Massachusetts landlord? List your property free. The tables provide market benchmarks; the responsible authority must review an actual tenancy proposal.
Sources for this article (5)
- state's HCV application instructions (mass.gov)
- centralized local-authority application site (mass.affordablehousing.com)
- BHA payment-standard page (bostonhousing.org)
- fair-housing guidance (mass.gov)
- HUD FMR dataset documentation (huduser.gov)
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