Average Rent in Dorchester, MA (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Dorchester, MA is $2,210/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 4 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +1.5% year over year. Rents range from $2,160 to $2,360.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$2,210/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 4 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↑ +1.5%
Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Dorchester, MA is $2,210/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 4 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 1.5% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Dorchester is 85% above the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Dorchester, MA ranges from $2,160 to $2,360 across 4 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Dorchester, MA is approximately 1.5% for 2026. An increase above 1.5% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Dorchester, MA?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Dorchester, MA is $2,210/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 4 ZIP codes. Rents range from $2,160 to $2,360 depending on neighborhood — a $200/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $88,400/year.
Is rent going up in Dorchester?
Rents in Dorchester have increased 1.5% year over year based on local market data. This suggests a relatively stable rental market.
What is a fair rent increase in Dorchester?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 1.5% is in line with the Dorchester market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
Rent Trends in Dorchester
+1.5%
Rents in Dorchester are rising at +1.5% year-over-year.
− Estimated trend
Market sources range from +0.7% to +3.3%
Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (+2.2%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (+0.7%).Landlords are asking more than renters are paying — this suggests renters may have negotiating leverage in Dorchester right now.
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Dorchester?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in Dorchester typically rents for $2,093 – $2,407.
Rents above $2,768 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Dorchester typically rents for $2,210 – $2,542.
Rents above $2,923 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Dorchester typically rents for $2,620 – $3,013.
Rents above $3,465 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Dorchester typically rents for $3,150 – $3,622.
Rents above $4,165 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Dorchester typically rents for $3,470 – $3,990.
Rents above $4,589 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Dorchester
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$2,093
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$2,210
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$2,620
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$3,150
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$3,470
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Dorchester
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific.
How Does Dorchester Compare?
Questions about rent in Dorchester
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Dorchester, MA?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Dorchester, MA is $2,210/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 4 ZIP codes in the city. This is 85% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $2,160 to $2,360 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Dorchester?
A rent increase up to about 1.5% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Dorchester. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $2,210/month.
Are rents going up or down in Dorchester?
Rents in Dorchester have increased 1.5% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 4 ZIP codes in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area area.
How much do rents vary across Dorchester?
1-bedroom rents across Dorchester range from $2,160 to $2,360 on this page, a $200/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in Dorchester?
We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Dorchester. Landlords must still follow applicable state and local notice rules before raising rent at lease renewal. Requirements vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute for specifics on notice periods and timing.
How much should I spend on rent in Dorchester?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Dorchester at $2,210/month, a household would need approximately $88,400/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
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Renter Tools
Browse Dorchester ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in Massachusetts →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in Massachusetts.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →